Labelling Blog

Avery Dennison has made the specification of its Fasson® Durables labelstocks easier and more cost-effective for label converters.   With the new Fasson Specification Programme, converters outsource – to Avery Dennison -- the complex and often expensive compliance and performance testing process.   This is of particular relevance in the challenging and labour-intensive electronics and automotive label markets. Specifying new label materials for the durable goods market entails multi-level compliance process steps – whether to win new business or retain current business.   With the Fasson Specification Programme, converters can now fully outsource this specification procedure.   Avery Dennison technical consultants, and the company’s state-of-the-art testing facilities will define the most appropriate labelstocks for end users’ specific technical requirements – at the right price.  Converters also benefit by saving the substantial time and costs involved in managing the specification

Atlantic Zeiser will showcase its integrated end-to-end DIGILINE™ Single Product solution at FACHPACK in Nuremberg : 28-30 September 2010. Demonstrating versatile possibilities for high resolution industrial digital printing of variable data on absorbent and non-absorbent surfaces including 3D packaging, Atlantic Zeiser will present in Hall 9, Stand 256. The company provides system solutions for packaging, labelling, product, security and paper printing with near to offset quality at high production speeds. At the show, Atlantic Zeiser will also demonstrate packaging-specific applications of the integrated OMEGA™ printing module for different sectors as well as multiple four-colour models of the GAMMA™ printer on metal and plastics. The Atlantic Zeiser Group, a leading supplier of technology, modules and system solutions for industrial digital printing, will present optimised end-to-end system solutions for specific sectors at FACHPACK 2010 in Hall 9, Stand 256. The company will

Xeikon, a division of Punch Graphix, is delighted to announce that it has entered in a partnership with the Labelexpo Global Series, the international organizer of labeling and package printing events. As part of the partnership, Xeikon will attend all Labelexpo events worldwide including exhibitions in Europe, the Americas and Asia. The company will also participate in all Label Summits, a series of educational conferences dedicated to the labeling industry. Together, Xeikon and Labelexpo aim to develop growth in the label market through innovative products – developed specifically for the market. Creative communication will help printers and converters worldwide gain a better understanding of the benefits of digital technology for label printing. “Last year’s Labelexpo Europe won the AEO’s ‘Marketing Campaign of the Year’ award,” comments Wim Maes, CEO of Punch Graphix. “The judges cited the campaign as innovative, flexible and enticing - taking the subject matter and making it inte

ROTOCONTROL today announced another order for the EDM200 semi-rotary, servo-driven UV-flexo machine placed by Label Leaders in South Africa.  The order was placed by Pascal Aengenvoort, Director from ROTOTEC, the local Agent for ROTOCONTROL throughout South Africa who will also manage the installation scheduled for mid-August. Founder and chairman of Label Leaders, Ben Raubenheimer and Factory Manager Craig Stange were both impressed with the superior print quality and speed of the EDM200 Machine.  "We plan to utilise the EDM200 in short-run production of generic labels requiring a change in the description of the product" states Craig Stange.  "The speed and ease of job setup and changeover in addition to the flexibility in producing smaller runs of unique labels led to our decision to invest in the ROTOCONTROL EDM200." Launched in 1995, Label Leaders is a nationally recognised company and produces a wide range of flexographically printed labels for a divers

Xeikon, a division of Punch Graphix, has been a pioneer in digital color printing and dry toner technology since its inception more than 20 years ago. With the launch of the Xeikon 3500 digital label production press and QA-I toner at IPEX 2010, the company has taken the suitability of its technology for food packaging applications to an entirely new level. In the United States, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets guidelines that must be followed with regard to food, whether packaged or not. Some of these guidelines are with respect to the actual materials being used to produce the labels, such as inks, toners and substrates. In addition, FDA also sets guidelines with respect to the printed materials in contact with food. The two types of food contact are direct and indirect. With direct food contact, the printed material comes into contact with the food. Indirect food contact refers to printed materials that are located on the outside packaging of the food. The Xeikon QA-I toner

Following the successful launch of the P7 at last year’s Labelexpo Europe, Mark Andy’s entire Performance Series press line will be on display at Labelexpo Americas 2010 in September. The Performance Series P7 will be on display for the first time in North America, offering a high-end solution for complex applications, while an interactive 2-station Performance Series P5 “play station” will give converters a hands-on opportunity to experience the ease of setting up a print station for a new job. Demonstrations will prove key converter requirements to which the press line was designed, including drastically faster set-ups & changeovers, simplicity of operation and more than 50 percent waste reduction. With a single operator, the company will demonstrate on the P7 complete changeovers of one five-color job to another five-color job in only three minutes. And the newest addition, the Mark Andy P5, will showcase live how its innovative platform and workflow can deliver short run d

Presstek, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRST), a leading supplier of digital offset printing solutions to the printing and communications industries, has announced a distribution agreement with Wifac, a leading graphic arts distributor in The Netherlands. Wifac will distribute and service Presstek’s complete product portfolio including thermal plates, CTP solutions, and DI® digital offset presses. Marcel Otto, CEO of Wifac said, “We offer our clients a one-stop concept with a broad choice of A-Brand products and solutions. Presstek's chemistry-free DI and CTP solutions are an ideal addition to our product portfolio and meet the needs of our clients who prefer to work in a more environmentally friendly fashion.” Guy Sasson, President of Presstek Europe, added, “We are pleased with our new partnership with Wifac and believe we will be able to work together to increase Presstek’s presence in the Dutch market which represents a significant opportunity for us. Presstek’s chemistry-free solutions

Rotoflex, a global leader of inspection/rewind equipment, will unveil its latest and most advanced motion control system at Labelexpo Americas in September. The Genesis advanced control system is a one-of-a-kind touch screen system designed with multiple integrated features including variable and multi-shape label inspection, intuitive defect management, advanced missing label and matrix detection and full compatibility with other in-plant job management systems. Genesis boasts 300 times faster processing speeds than its URC predecessor. This real-time, high speed processor will handle many critical functions simultaneously without slowing or changing speed of production. The advanced system can not only identify defects within a stream of a single label or image shape, but independent lane configuration provides the converter the ability to run multiple sizes and shapes of labels on one roll, detecting defects regardless of label contour, size or color. Coupled with missing label an

It only takes a second for a consumer to choose a product when browsing through a store, which means eye-catching and relevant packaging is the key to successful sales. More and more food manufacturers are therefore choosing shrink sleeve labels – particularly for beverages and milk products. This year, Muller Martini is launching the new VSOP printing press with sleeve technology to establish itself as the market leader in web offset printing presses for package printing. Unlike other sectors in the graphics industry, order volumes in package printing are currently quite good. And the reason: even during economically difficult times, the consumer sector has shown itself to be relatively stable. One sector showing strikingly good production figures at the moment, despite the economic slump, is shrink sleeve printing. The annual growth rate of shrink sleeves in the food industry (beverages in particular) in the European Union is around 10 percent. Christian Steeb, General Manager of

TOPAS Advanced Polymers will showcase its versatile line of cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs) at the 18th International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber (K show 2010) in Düsseldorf, Germany, which runs Oct. 27-Nov.3. K show visitors can learn about the latest innovations in materials technology and application development at TOPAS’ stand in Hall 08A/C28. The company also launched a dedicated K show web site (www.topas-k-2010.com) which provides the latest company updates. TOPAS’ unique manufacturing technologies are enabling the development of new COC grades with a range of useful performance capabilities. These consist of elastomeric materials, advanced compounds, and resins with an HDT nearing 200°C. A unique development is a TPE resin featuring the exceptional purity of TOPAS COC, plus the flexibility of an elastomer. Key target areas are healthcare and overmolding applications. The TOPAS COC family consists of amorphous, transparent copolymers based on c

Reunion Island is for the first time to receive daily newspapers on the same day they are published thanks to RotOcéan’s investment in KODAK technology. The printing house, which is based on the French island of Reunion, will print local, national and international newspapers using a KODAK VERSAMARK VL4200 Printing System . The installation of the inkjet system marks RotOcéan’s latest investment in Kodak innovations – the company is already equipped with a KODAK MAGNUS Platesetter, KODAK THERMAL DIRECT Plates and a KODAK NEXPRESS Digital Production Color Press. Reunion Island is a small island in the Indian Ocean, 9,500 km from Paris. Prior to RotOcéan’s installation of the VERSAMARK VL4200 System, the island received its national and international newspapers by air, at least one day after their publication. “ RotOcéan is putting an end to 20 years of outdated newspapers on the island, and we’ll be introducing a number of other prestigious titles,” says Hubert Pédurand, Director

UPM Raflatac has introduced Polyprint IL – a new opaque matt-white PE film for digital product and information labelling in industrial chemical end-uses. Optimized for HP Indigo WS2000 – WS6000 series digital printing presses, Polyprint IL is ideal for printing short runs, individually coded labels and sequential numbering – efficiently eliminating the need for thermal transfer printing.   Good opacity and chemical resistance makes it ideal for industrial chemical end-uses, and excellent stiffness assists in label conversion and application. Polyprint IL is supplied with the universal RP 37 adhesive for standard applications and RP 77 for rugged performance on HDPE drums and other rough surfaces, in and out doors.   About UPM Raflatac UPM Raflatac, part of UPM’s Engineered Materials business group, is one of  the world’s leading suppliers of self-adhesive label materials and the world’s number one producer of HF and UHF radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and

ROTOCONTROL today announced the availability of a video featuring the EDM200 Series Over-printing Press in production with informative instruction.  The DVD educates Converters on the features and benefits of the EDM200 including a unique insetting register control system, semi-rotary (intermittent) web advance, and a small footprint (only 2.1 m long).  The accompanying video instruction is available in English and German. The EDM200 is 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-printing machine and has been specifically developed to provide very economic production of short-run and fast turnaround for labels, tickets and tags. Several EDM200 machines have been installed throughout Europe and South Africa, especially in regions producing high quality artistic embossed wine labels. 

Created from over 400 years of Japanese tradition elevated to a modern age, Haamonii Shochu possesses a distinctly smooth, pure, and refreshing taste. The two flavors available are Haamonii Smooth Original, 100% natural, premium grain shochu, and Haamonii Smooth Shochu Lemon, 100% natural, premium grain shochu with natural lemon juices. Haamonii Shochu varieties are packaged in sleek 750 mL glass bottles featuring minimalistic applied ceramic labeling.   Source:  Glass Packaging Institute

The genever category is one of the best selling spirits in the Dutch market (25% market share). Since a few years the demand for genever products is decreasing dramatically and is expected to halve in twelve years from now due to the aging consumer group and increased price competition. Today, youngsters are identifying themselves more strongly with brands which are associated with modernity, status, internationality or exclusivity. Nolet Distillery is producing premium spirits for more than 300 years and Ketel 1 Jenever has grown to the market leader in the premium segment. To strengthen the brand’s position the brand identity needs to be updated (3D/ 2D) with main design focus to remain thé premium genever specialist. The new design should emphasize the brand character and refresh the look and feel to be appealing to the younger consumer group with respect to recognition & heritage. The new brand presentation is a clear example of leadership and pride, realized due to the

Mizkan Americas, Mt. Prospect, Ill., a leading condiment manufacturer, has started using 16oz long neck Powerflex™ polyethylene terephthalate (PET) hot fill bottles from Amcor Rigid Plastics, the world’s leading producer of PET packaging, for its Buccaneer Blends barbecue sauces. Mizkan recently moved from ambient fill bottles to hot fill containers for the Buccaneer Blends line - a product acquired by Mizkan in the January purchase of World Harbor Sauces & Marinades, Auburn, Maine. "To ensure product quality, we decided to switch from the ambient fill to the hot fill process," said Dave Rotunno, director of marketing for Mizkan. "Amcor’s Powerflex bottle handles the hot fill process and offered the best solution to meet our manufacturing needs." The long neck PET bottle is finding increased use as a hot fill option in this food category, according to Amcor. The rest of the former World Harbors’ line of sauces and marinades are bottled in ambient fill PET

Best Maid Products Inc., a leading Southwest supplier of pickles and dressings for the retail and food service industry, has introduced its Best Maid mayonnaise in new 12oz lightweight and break-resistant PET bottles from Amcor Rigid Plastics, the world’s leading producer of PET Packaging.   The ambient-fill round bottle, weighing in at 32-g, is a PET alternative that also delivers significant performance and cost advantages including portability and light weight, along with sustainability benefits including recyclability, reduced transportation costs, and a significantly reduced carbon footprint. Consumers are drawn to the attractive and lightweight features of the PET bottle compared to traditional glass containers. The mayonnaise container also further extends Amcor’s growing penetration in the food category. Amcor worked quickly to meet Best Maid Products’ demanding production requirements. Once the design was approved, Amcor had production tools completed in less than six

UPM Raflatac has expanded its product range for textile labelling with three white Silk Acetate faces. Suitable for labelling a multitude of textile retail goods, from carpets and fabric to mattresses and shoes, the new Silk Acetate Whites are fold and flex to keep their silky satin looks as an integral part of a quality textile product. Printable with all conventional printing methods, Silk Acetate Whites are calendared to provide a silky satin finish that lasts. Silk Acetate White Top is a fray-resistant material that provides the cleanest possible die-cut for an enduringly crisp label outline. The topcoat provides an excellent print result with conventional printing methods – especially beneficial for finer multicolour detail. Silk Acetate White TTR adds a good TTR printability for bar codes and other variable information. The heavier gauge also makes it well suited to larger labels where it holds its form and is easily applied by hand. The three faces are supplied with

  Wolfgang Heitzer, Production Manager (left), and his assistant Sven Lahrssen, who helped implement the CTP workflow. German newspaper and media group Straubinger Tagblatt / Landshuter Zeitung has automated its prepress operation and increased production capacity by installing two KODAK GENERATION NEWS Systems at its newspaper printing center. The fully automatic thermal platesetters complete the lower Bavaria-based company’s transition from conventional negative imaging with film to computer-to-plate. A prepress operator in the spacious CTP department with the two KODAK GENERATION NEWS Systems and the plate processing line. In addition to its two main titles Straubinger Tagblatt / Landshuter Zeitung, the newspaper and media group—which specializes in a wide range of printed and online products as well as local radio and TV—also publishes a series of local newspapers. Fourteen different editions of these newspapers are printed daily in Berlin format, and boast an overall cir

DiMS! organizing print, the world leader in MIS/ERP systems for the printing and packaging industries, has appointed Hans Terpstra as their International Account Manager. Bringing both extensive graphic arts knowledge as well as in-depth MIS know-how to the company, Terpstra is a valuable addition for the DiMS! team and its customers. Hans Terpstra has unquestionably won his spurs in the graphic arts industry. Starting his career as independent Graphic and Industrial Designer, followed by an Art Director position, he held an Executive position at a printing company. Terpstra’s keen interest in print management systems increased and fed the decision of switching to the MIS vendor Hiflex. In the 11 years at this company, he covered several important customer-facing positions, ultimately displaying an imperative knowledge of every part of a printing business workflow and a sixth sense for customer’s needs. Hans Terpstra will execute the important position of International Account Man

DiMS! organizing print, the world leader in MIS/ERP systems for the printing and packaging industries, has appointed Bernd Luts as their new Sales Director for the DACH area (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). With this industry expert on board, DiMS! has expanded on the wealth of knowledge and experience in the company, enabling them to further increase their footprint in the market. Bernd Luts brings more than 28 years of extensive graphic arts industry experience to DiMS! organizing print. He is familiar with almost every aspect of the industry, and was heavily involved in many of the major graphic arts evolvements at several well-known and esteemed companies. After 21 years at AGFA, in mostly leading sales positions, he became co-responsible for the introduction of digital print in the DACH region through Indigo Deutschland. Then, his business experience and prepress know-how lead him to a prime commercial management position at EskoGraphics. In 2004, his affinity with workflow s

Xeikon, a division of Punch Graphix, will present its latest advances in digital label printing at Label Forum Japan, which takes place in Tokyo’s Bellesalle Shiodome Center from July 22-23, 2010. During the two-day event, visitors to the Xeikon stand nr. 60 will have the opportunity to discover how Borble Ltd, a leading UK print specialist, is using Xeikon’s digital printing technology to meet the growing demand for fast-turnaround, short-run label printing. Top quality short-run label production Coca-Cola, Tesco and the National Health Service (NHS) are just some of the top brands that have placed their trust in Borble to print their labels, a trust earned through Borble’s clear focus on high-level customer service. The production of self-adhesive labels is one of the company’s core activities, with digital printing as the enabling technology. The Xeikon 3300 press, installed since January 2009, allows Borble to deliver high quality labels while meeting the growing demand for jus

UPM Raflatac has successfully launched ProLiner PP30 challenging conventional glassine liners with improved efficiency and profitability. ProLiner PP30 sets the new standards for productivity of paper labels, offering benefits for both packers and label printers. Available with a range of market-leading paper faces, ProLiner PP30 brings all the advantages of a thin film liner to high-volume paper applications such as food, retail and logistics labelling. Source: www.upmraflatac.com

Agfa Graphics announced that it has signed an agreement to purchase the assets of the Harold M. Pitman Company, a leading US supplier of prepress, industrial inkjet, pressroom and packaging printing products and systems. The Pitman Company acquisition substantially increases Agfa Graphics’ revenue in the US to more than $500 million. The incremental EBIT contribution is expected to be well in line with Agfa Graphics’ global 7 percent target. After the closing, Agfa expects further growth of its US top line resulting from the combination of expertise available in both companies. Agfa also expects strong synergies to be delivered from the consolidation of sales forces and the reduction of G&A expenses. Based in Totowa, New Jersey, the Pitman Company counts 502 employees and 16 locations throughout the USA. The acquisition will enable Agfa Graphics to significantly strengthen its position in the US printing industry. Pitman's large customer base and knowledge of the industry w

UPM Raflata havechannelled considerable resources into the development of RP 44, and the results show it was well worth the effort: we’re rolling out an excellent wash-off adhesive which provides a highly effective solution for wine labelling alongside our permanent RP 30. A particular breakthrough is that all combinations have been tested for successful wash-off performance following a variety of real-life bottle storage conditions. We’re confident you’ll agree that performance like this across such a good selection of fine, WSA-treated face papers is hard to find elsewhere. See our RP 44 wash-off stock offer combinations here: Castgloss WSA 80 / RP 44 / White Glassine 85 Raflamatt WSA / RP 44 / White Glassine 85 Antique White WSA / RP 44 / White Glassine 85 Antique Cream WSA / RP 44 / White Glassine 85 Multiprint White WSA / RP 44 / White Glassine 85 Multiprint Ivoire WSA / RP 44 / White Glassine 85 Raflamatt WSA / RP 44 / Honey Glassine 65 Fleur de Coton WSA