Labelling Blog

Chadwicks Sleeves is helping to add that designer finishing touch in bathrooms and kitchens across the country by creating decorative sleeves for a new luxury hand-wash product. Chadwicks Sleeves worked closely with its customer, CRC Innovations, to develop four distinctive bottle sleeves for the luxury cosmetics product, Casa Dolce Casa, designed to enhance a range of interior styles. The 50 micron, six colour UV flexo-printed sleeves provide a decorative sleeve label for the 500ml hand-wash product, available in a range of designs specially developed by a team of interior designers. These include urban-chic grey for contemporary, minimalist living, right through to a deep pink, floral damask style for interiors with a more opulent feminine touch. Chadwicks Sleeves worked in partnership with CRC Innovations and M&H Plastics to create a product that would appeal to a range of consumers who value an added element of style. Richard Cutworth, business development manage...

Agfa Corporation and xpedx® today announced a joint decision to end their long-standing relationship on December 2, 2010, after xpedx terminated their dealer agreement. Effective on February 28, 2011, xpedx will end its distribution of Agfa-branded graphics products in the United States. Management from both companies have agreed on a transition plan and timetable to avoid disruptions of service or support to customers. This effort will ensure a continuous supply of Agfa products. Customers will be able to purchase Agfa products from other regional dealers and from Pitman, Agfa’s distribution company. According to Peter Wilkens, President of Agfa Graphics, "The graphic communications industry is in transition, and we acknowledge that new strategic partnerships are the result of the evolving needs of the marketplace. Thanks to our long-standing business relationship, Agfa and xpedx have agreed to a transition plan that will not cause any concern for our joint customers." E...

KEE Consultants' Gap Analysis Audit (GAA) has received a very positive reception from the print industry since its launch at Graph Expo Chicago. Just two months on from the event, 35 printers from Europe, North America and Asia have conducted this first-of-its-kind remote audit. The Gap Analysis Audit helps printers to simply and cost-effectively implement and comply with ISO 12647 standards and related accreditations. KEE Consultants, the international network of standardization experts, launched its latest initiative early October 2010. Its aim is to provide printers with a simple, complete and cost-effective audit that can tell them what they need to do to comply with ISO 12647 and related standards for print production. Elie Khoury, chair of KEE Consultants, explains the reasons behind the online audit: "Implementing standards in any printing company is a three-step process. The first step is the gap analysis, which identifies areas of non-conformity and highlights to...

Every day thousands of letters with PINs for debit and credit cards, cell phones and, increasingly, ID cards are mailed. As the special forms that are typically used do not offer optimum protection of the confidential information Schreiner ProSecure in collaboration with the Otto Künnecke Group developed a modular system that meets the highest security standards. This PIN protection concept prevents tampering during the production process and while the security documents are on their way to the users  by printing the PINs only during the personalization process and by securely sealing them between two labels.  As specialists for PIN protection labels and for the printing and mailing of security documents, Schreiner ProSecure and Otto Künnecke closely work together. Their aim is to make PIN mailing absolutely safe and to develop accordingly high security standards. The combined know-how of printing and post-personalization plus PIN protection labels results in a tailor-made s...

WS Packaging Group, Inc. recently honored Ken Kidd, co-CEO and Tom Braig, sales representative, with a service recognition award for reaching a career milestone of 40 years in the printing business. Kidd and Braig were two of the original founders in 1970 of Superior Label Systems, Inc., located in Mason, Ohio. In October 2000, a merger between Superior Label Systems and Wisconsin Label Corporation created WS Packaging Group—one of the top privately owned label and tag manufactures in the United States.   Ken Kidd Tom Braig Kidd is responsible for special projects and company acquisitions for the WS Packaging Group facility in Mason, Ohio, while Braig is responsible for generating sales and building long-term customer relationships. For both, the last 40 years have been adventurous—sharing their experience, enthusiasm, and passion for the printing business with customers and employees alike. About WS Packaging Group WS Packaging Group, Inc., has more than 40 year...

Mark Brienzi, Worldwide Operations Director, KODAK Service and Support, Kodak’s Business Solutions and Services Group, has been appointed for a two-year term to the Executive Advisory Board of service lifecycle management software solution provider Servigistics.                  The Executive Advisory Board provides in-depth counsel from service industry peers, including review and input to Servigistics product plans and roadmaps, informed opinion on industry trends, and participation in trial programs for new service offerings.       “Being named to Servigistics’ Executive Advisory Board allows Kodak to stay connected with other top tier companies that have similar interest in supply chains, while providing an opportunity to shape future software releases to meet evolving supply chain requirements,” said Brienzi, whose career has included a number of leadership positions in KODA...

Nuceria Adesivi Group, one of Italy’s leading packaging companies, has boosted its label quality control after installing the PRATI JUPITER TC280 inspection and finishing machine. This latest installation means the Group now uses 12 PRATI inspection and finishing systems at its three production sites. Nuceria Adesivi employs 150 staff and specializes in self-adhesive labels, wateradhesive labels, and folding cartons and boxes. Quality control on a wide range of materials The JUPITER TC280 ensures a top-quality finished product. It can handle a wide range of materials at high speed, including self-adhesive labels, flexible packaging, cardboard, laminates, multi-page labels and other sensitive materials. Outstanding label quality is guaranteed by the VARYCONTROL program, which offers total control for managing three different types of rewinding tension: constant on the axis for self-adhesive labels, constant on the web for flexible materials, and mixed f...

Drukkerij De Bie has underlined its commitment to digital printing after investing in a host of KODAK Technology. The Duffel-based company has installed a complete Kodak package: a KODAK NEXPRESS Digital Production Color Press, two KODAK MAGNUS Platesetters and the KODAK PRINERGY Workflow System. Drukkerij De Bie specializes in personalized calendars and mailings, commercial printing and magazines. Director Bart De Bie explains how the collaboration with Kodak began: “A few years ago, our existing CTP installation could no longer handle the required volume and we needed a new platesetter. After testing different a number of options, it was clear that the KODAK Solutions were highly competitive from a cost perspective and, crucially, the quality stood out from the rest.” Drukkerij De Bie and Kodak enjoy a strong relationship. Twice a year, the printer organizes product demonstrations for communication agencies and other interested printers. Smooth implementation   ...

RPC Kutenholz has developed the bottle for Elsdorfer Feinkost AG’s new range of fresh salad dressings, launched under the Elsdorfer brand name. Consumers can choose between five irresistible types from supermarket chiller cabinets: American, French, garlic, yogurt and reduced-fat yogurt. The high-quality dressings are carefully produced without flavour-enhancing additives, preservatives and artificial colourings, offering consumers a maximum freshness experience to enjoy their salads. The 250 ml bottle was developed in close collaboration with RPC Kutenholz. "Our requirements for a new, topical packaging format for salad dressing were perfectly fulfilled by RPC Kutenholz,” explains Claudia Jonek, Marketing Manager at Elsdorfer Feinkost AG. The bottle is characterised by high functionality and appearance. The robust packaging is designed to rest comfortably in the hand, while further convenience is assured by a hinged, resealable cap and a large opening for effective pouri...

The beverage industry is rewarding operating strategies of companies with solutions for making containers more lightweight. But that is not all; their strategic vision must include business models that provide significant cost reductions in all phases of the production process. Over the last two years, SIPA has created bottles, production and hot-fill systems for cylindrical containers of various shapes which have a petaloid base, are panel-free, and can be labeled with a regular, wrap-around label. Filling occurs at 85° – 87° degrees centigrade. A dose of liquid nitrogen immediately prior to capping results in 1.5 bars of internal pressure. After the beverage cools and its volume contracts, the internal pressure remains at 0.2 - 0.3 bars, ensuring rigid packaging and ease of labeling. Advantages This type of bottle reduces costs significantly: - the container is more lightweight due to the elimination of the side panels which are no longer necessary because a...

Luna and Lara Pure Spring Water has been given a design fit for royalty, thanks to shrink sleeves manufacturer Chadwicks. Innovator in shrink sleeve technology, Chadwicks, has created three fun, eye-catching designs using the brand’s twin characters ‘Prince Tabby’ and ‘Princess Tara’ to appeal to children. The sleeves are printed eight-colour UV Flexo on 50 micron film, providing a vibrant quality look for this exciting new range. Produced by Eauvolution Ltd, the water is available in three flavours – Strawberry, Apple and Pure Natural Spring Water. The company is hoping to encourage children to drink more water by using eye-catching cartoons that illustrate the health benefits that it can bring. The sleeves also feature the Luna and Lara ‘Guide to Drinking Water’ on the reverse, which is accompanied by rhymes and colourful images, creating a healthy product that appeals directly to children. Richard Cutworth, business development manager at Chadwicks Sleeves, said: ...

Continued investment in digital underlines CCL Label’s commitment to fast-moving market demands Fast response, reduced costs and a wide range of decorative effects Meets growing requirements for reduced volumes and lead times, zero stock means zero obsolescence. Exceptional print quality coupled with quicker proofing. Meeting the demands of  late minute differentiation CCLLabel is strengthening its digital printing capability for customers with the installation of the latest digital print press at its plants in France and Poland and further upgrading of its digital facilities at East Kilbride in Scotland. In keeping with its strategy to guarantee brand integrity and local supply, CCL Label Europe has installed common digital press technology with the latest HP Indigo WS 6000’s. With the increasing number of SKUs leading to reduced volumes and 90% of all production on shorter lead times, digital label production is quickly becoming the future, thanks to the great...

South African packaging manufacturer Nampak’s slogan, “Packaging Excellence,” could not be more apt. Over the past ninety years this international group with subsidiaries in Africa and Europe has made its mark worldwide with innovative packaging made of paper, plastic, metal and glass for the food and beverage industries.   Nampak Cartons & Labels, a major group division and South Africa’s biggest manufacturer of folding cartons, recently fired up a KBA Rapida 106 six-colour coater press at its plant in Johannesburg. The new press runs alongside a highly automated Rapida 105 that went live at the end of 2007. Market leader in carton and label printing Nampak Cartons & Labels prints an extensive range of quality offset products for brand leaders in the automotive, beverages, food and household products industries. Of its five production plants nationwide, three are offset and two gravure. Its labels unit, which prints gravure, is also the market leader. Nampak Carton...

Avery Dennison has upgraded the formulation of its high- specification hotmelt labelling adhesive to deliver a number of additional benefits for both end users and  converters. ‘Fasson S2045N is a truly versatile adhesive for “difficult” labelling applications’, says Kent Stobbart, Director, Product Management, for Avery Dennison Roll Materials Europe. ‘We have taken the “industry standard”  Fasson S0245 and added features that meet customers’ requirements in all arenas – for on-press runability, crisper diecutting, a wider range of application temperatures, improved ageing, and environmental credentials.’ The result of more than two years of research and testing, the ‘new generation’ Fasson  S2045N has ISEGA (Industrie-, Studien- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft) approval for direct contact with non-fatty foods, and is REACH (Registration, Evaluation,  Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) compliant. Now available as standard on all Fasson facestocks offered wit...

ETI Converting Equipment announces today the opening of its Pressure Sensitive Product Development division. Equipped with a modern laboratory for developing and testing products that constitute a PS label, this new division will be able to propose to ETI customers proven products that will enable them to develop new markets and be more efficient in existing markets. Frederic La Brie, COO, heads the new division. He will be assisted by chemists and engineers recently hired. “ETI brings a turnkey solution to label printers; the equipment, the raw materials, the know-how, the QC and now the product development are all important for a successful vertical integration” explained Frederic La Brie. “We must respond to our customers, who, by acquiring ETI machines, want to differentiate themselves by producing innovative products while increasing savings made with the ETI technology.” In its new division, ETI will further develop the innovation side allowed by the pressure sensitive ma...

Edale, the UK-based manufacturer of narrow web flexographic printing and converting presses, are delighted to have secured another order for one of their Lambda range of equipment with a new customer in Spain through their Spanish distributor, Sercoyse. The Edale Lambda is an infinitely flexible converting solution, boasting Edale’s ‘Plug & Play’ technology, which enables almost any process or web path configuration. When combined with Edale’s extensive inventory of converting options, the Lambda becomes the ultimate solution for any specialist converter. The Lambda allows the end user to change the sequence of any modules or the position of any idler or winder, allowing for ultimate flexibility. This particular machine will be configured as a development line, set up for product trials rather than mass production. The purchasing company conducted detailed research into potential equipment manufacturers, but settled on the Edale Lambda due to its flexibility, upgradeability ...

Self-adhesive labels as solutions providers in the trend-conscious beverage marketplace It is the experience of a particular product which appeals to the consumer, according to Rik Olthof of international branding and packaging design consultants Claessens Cartils.  He adds:  ‘Branding used to be about information and, more recently, about identification. Nowadays, ‘experience’ is a new dimension that brand owners create with their packaging. It is not the ‘bling’ effect that creates brands, it is the brand’s ability to surprise and inspire, underline the consumer’s identity,  and create an emotional atmosphere that is worth sharing’. Innovative packaging and labelling concepts are an essential component of this new branding approach.    Companies like Heineken have proved this time and again.  ‘The same beer with different bottle decoration presents a different experience for the customer!’, says Mr Olthof.  This trend is, indeed,  parti...

Edale and their distributor for India, Printers Supply Company, will be exhibiting at this year’s Label Expo India show taking place between 8-11 December at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Label Expo India is the largest event for the labelling, product decoration and converting industry in India and, as with all the other exhibitions that Edale have exhibited at this year, Label Expo India enables Edale and Printers Supply Company to increase their brand awareness in their specific fields of operation; Flexographic Printing, Digital Printing, Commercial Security and Speciality Converting. Edale will also be revealing exciting announcements of new product launches and products that are currently under development. Edale & Printers Supply Company will be in Hall 12, Stand J30. To book in for a 1:1 appointment with Printers Supply Company or Edale, please contact Edale on +44 (0) 1489 569230 or via email on sales@edale.com   About Edale Edale Ltd are the UK-based ...

Glasgow label printer, John Watson and Co Ltd, is broadening its market offering in order to increase business opportunities with the purchase of the UK’s first Gallus RCS 330 offset combination press. The ten unit Gallus press, which will also be the longest of its kind in the UK, will enable John Watson to produce self adhesive labels for its customers in the spirits industry. The Gallus RCS 330 will be delivered in early December 2010. “We predominantly print for the Scottish Whisky industry, which traditionally has meant wet labels. However, pressure sensitive labels are becoming easier to apply and can have much more intricate designs. A few of our clients’ major brands are being redeveloped and want to move over to this process for these reasons. By investing in the Gallus RCS 330 press we will be able to support them and can also offer PSL capability to new customers,” says Robert McLachlan, Joint Managing Director at John Watson. The new Gallus RCS 330 ten unit off...

Printers operating in the packaging, narrow label, commercial print, security print and card printing markets are increasing their output and profits using the Atlantic Zeiser GAMMA™ Series. The highly advance, full-color systems are ideal for a wide range of industrial digital narrow printing applications, as they deliver top-quality results and can be used on a range of substrates, including paper, film, plastic and metal. The GAMMA™ series delivers outstanding visual print quality of up to 1060 dpi. The standard model – the GAMMA™ 70S/140S – is ideal for ‘wet-on-wet’ requirements in the pattern application process. The premium model – the GAMMA™ 70P/140P – is perfect for both pinning and wet-on-wet for sharp texts, barcodes, pictures and fine details and logotypes. GAMMA™ systems combine Xaar 1001 grayscale printheads with Atlantic Zeiser controller and data preparation software. The result is a powerful solution that includes a UV printer, UV inks and UV drying capabil...

Print service providers are improving productivity and increasing customer satisfaction by investing in DIGILINE™ Web integrated end-to-end system solutions. The systems deliver high-impact results that rival offset for quality and production speed. DIGILINE™ Web solutions are ideal for print service providers operating in the packaging, labelling, product and paper sectors. DIGILINE™ Web systems are highly flexible and scalable, and have been developed in co-operation with leading brand owners and packaging producers.  Such close collaboration has ensured the solutions help users to drive cost efficiencies in late-stage customization and just-in-time production. The systems allow print service providers to meet the most stringent print quality requirements, and are perfect for printing variable data and content on porous and non-porous substrates. Label and packaging customization DIGILINE™ Web solutions simplify the process of late-stage customization for labels...

Flint Group Print Media Europe’s Finnish operation has appointed Heidelberg Finland Oy as its exclusive distributor for industry leading brands: K+E sheetfed offset inks, Varn Press Room Chemicals and dayGraphica blankets, effective 22nd November 2010. The appointment of world leading sheetfed press manufacturer, Heidelberg as an exclusive partner to Flint Group, the world’s only manufacturer of sheetfed offset inks, pressroom chemicals and sheetfed blankets creates a very attractive proposition to customers of both companies in Finland. The two companies are associated with high quality products, outstanding service and a commitment to press room excellence. This new partnership is therefore a fusion of similar business standards which will improve the ease of access to these value propositions for both Heidelberg and Flint Group customers. “We feel confident that our customers will benefit from this cooperation and recognise the advantages of Heidelberg as the complete supplie...

HP today announced that Springfield Solutions of Hull, UK, has installed its second HP Indigo WS6000 Digital Press to help increase production capacity and expand its range of added-value digital packaging solutions. This second HP Indigo investment also gives Springfield Solutions the status as the first UK company site to install two HP Indigo WS6000 Digital Presses. Along with its HP Indigo WS4500 installed in 2008, Springfield Solutions now boasts the largest installed capital base of industrial webstream technology in the UK. "This is not about counting machines on the shop floor; it's about expanding our ability to provide added-value decoration solutions to our clients," said Albert Dass, chairman, Springfield Solutions. "With the growing packaging portfolios of our clients and with print-run lengths continuing their downward trend, the role that digital print can play in providing cost effective packaging print solutions is exploding exponentially. Digita...

Pharmaceutical and cosmetics manufacturers can now strike back against the counterfeiters thanks to Atlantic Zeiser Group, a leading supplier of technology, modules and system solutions for industrial digital printing. The company’s Track & Trace module empowers brand owners by enabling them to counter the burgeoning counterfeiting threat and protect their brand reputation and revenue. The urgent need for anti-counterfeiting solutions A 2009 study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimated that pirate products worldwide cost companies EUR184 billion – a 53 per cent rise on 2007’s figure. Pirate products pose a particularly high risk in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. This is because they often use ineffective filling agents instead of genuine, more expensive medical substances; and cheap ingredients instead of high-quality cosmetic agents. How does Track & Trace work? Track & Trace integrates easily into a new or ex...

CCL Decorative Sleeves’ technical and design skills have been widely recognised at the recent UK Packaging Awards.  The company was shortlisted for two of its creations in the Label of the Year category, with the special cricket ball sleeve for Marmite taking the top honour. The limited edition Marmite recipe, containing the same yeast used in Marston’s Pedigree beer, was developed to celebrate the 2009 Ashes Series and Marston’s position as the official beer of English cricket. Sleeving was the only solution that could effectively replicate a cricket ball on such a challenging jar shape.  The PET film fits tightly around the curves of the jar while being robust enough to remain in good condition and resist scuffing when on the glass container.   The sleeve, gravure printed in seven colours, is shrunk onto the jar within very tight tolerances to allow the graphics to be accurately centred. “Tinkering with the iconic pack for one of the nation’s favourite toa...

The new Absolut Limited Edition bottle - Bold, Innovative and Interesting   The new limited edition Absolut vodka - Absolute Glimmer - features a highly innovative glass bottle, produced and decorated in-line at Ardagh’s Limmared plant in Sweden. Ardagh worked closely with Pernod Ricard to create a completely new appearance and texture for the iconic brand’s bottle. Martin Peterson, Regional Operations Director at Ardagh comments, “ we are proud to have supported the team at Absolut in bringing this challenging and innovative product to life". Previous limited editions, produced and decorated by Ardagh, have applied a variety of labelling and surface printing techniques onto the distinctive Absolut bottle..... “For the first time we have challenged the Absolut bottle design to create something truly different. Limited Edition provides the trade with an engaging consumer proposition by representing something genuinely bold, innovative and interesting in-store.” M...

When it was time to launch a new product to market for their client Hela Sauces, Pont Packaging located in the Netherlands called on its sister company, leading British glass manufacturer Beatson Clark to deliver the solution. Hela Sauces launched its new Garlic, Fish, Mustard and Cocktail dressings earlier this year utilising a 250ml Round Sauce Bottle with a 43mm Twist off neck finish. Manufactured in white flint it is available from Beatson Clark’s extensive general sale range and Hela were immediately impressed by the speciality nature of the design. “Hela were looking for the widest possible distribution network in the Netherlands and are looking to expand further into Europe with this product,” commented Charlotte Taylor Marketing manager Beatson Clark. “We were delighted to work with Pont Packaging to support their client ensuring demand was met as required.” As this was a completely new product for Hela there was uncertainty as to volume requirements. Here, Beatson C...

Quality with a guaranteed high level of productivity were the fundaments for this next investment in the 3rd MPS-machine. Looking to logistics in the Middle-East distances are long and not always convenient for shipments. So labels have to react rapidly and reliable to requirements of packaging procurement managers whether they work for big and famous or small and less known brands. The highly experienced Pacman-CCL knows how to deal with that and how to act on behalf of consumers' health and safety. Creative support and top-quality printing must be guaranteed by Pacman-CCL during 24/7 production. Due to high quality and tight food-packaging legislation, not a single print-dot might be missing, neither by coincidence nor by instable process. In pharmacy label printing it is even tighter. Pacman-CCL underlines it's response to these high packaging demands by ultra-serious continuous studies for its label manufacturing equipment. This led to special research among the ...

Hagmaier Etiketten & Druck GmbH has installed its first all digital production line which prints and die-cuts digitally. This system is the first UV-Inkjet ITS 600, manufactured by CSAT. The print width is 210mm. With a 100% LED UV curing system complete curing is guaranteed up to après speed of 50 metres/minute. The print and laser cutting systems make it possible to achieve in-line duplex processing. The defect detection system corrects possible irregularities, before they become visible to the human eye. With a resolution of 1800 dpi (physical 600 dpi), the Kyocera  print bars, provide the highest resolution currently available for UV- Inkjet systems. The smaller droplet size has a positive effect on the build up of printed colours which is still a challenge for UV Inkjet. With this investment "Hagmaier", not only wants to print and die-cut paper, plastics and metal foils labels with its machine, but also produce two sided tickets with security features and c...