Labelling Blog

Tetra Pak, the world leader in food processing and packaging solutions, today unveils three new closures designed to meet the diverse needs of the global beverage market: DreamCap , an ergonomically designed closure specially for on-the-go consumption LightCap , designed to keep plastic use and cost to a minimum, making it particularly suited for larger-sized closures  HeliCap , which combines one-step easy opening with distinctive tamper evidence     DreamCap has been ergonomically designed with on-the-go-users in mind and incorporates the results of user tests in key markets to deliver a remarkable carton drinking experience. The cap’s high neck and its over-the-edge design offer the beverage consumer easy access to the spout and a comfortable fit to the face and lips. Tetra Pak also identified how people like to drink beverages while on-the-go. DreamCap’s large (26mm) opening and ridge to engage the lips allow consumers to drink in the way they prefer, with im

PRATI demonstrates its servo–slitter-rewinding-inspection SATURN PLUS now equipped with new options at Gulf Print & Pack on PRINTECH booth, E417, East Hall. PRINTECH is PRATI's official distributor in the Middle East regions. During the trade show PRATI will unveil the SATURN PLUS, a new version of the robust inspection SATURN machine. It is equipped with a servo rotary die-cutting unit and a completely new NIKKA compact inspection system with an iPhone touch-screen interface, for which NIKKA gave PRATI the sole right on this product. The SATURN PLUS enables pre-printed materials to be die-cut in register. Users can benefit of functions to suit their needs, such as unwinding, counting, slitting, rewinding and die-cutting of paper labels, clear-on-clear labels and single paper layer. The inspection system identifies if there are printing nonconformities, missing labels, the presence of matrix and flag before automatically placing the errors on the splicing table for correction

Leading exponent in card personalization technologies will showcase its innovative cost saving solutions which covers the whole production process – card personalization, data management and fulfillment   Atlantic Zeiser Group, a world leading innovator in card personalization solutions is to exhibit at the two most important card exhibitions in Asia in March and April – Cartes in Asia, Hong Kong (Hall3/Stand B36) and Cards Asia, in Singapore (Hall4/Stand L07). The market leader will demonstrate significant benefits for the entire payment and pre-paid card value chain – lowering personalization costs and shortening lead times for increased supply chain flexibility. Atlantic Zeiser offers complete system solutions for innovative, personalization and mailing of cards for different requirements. ID- and Flat Financial Cards using innovative DoD (drop-on-demand) technology. This applies also to EMV cards with significantly lower costs per card.  Atlantic Zeiser has pioneered DoD ink

A B Graphic International has announced the development of the Flytec F2010, a standalone printing and converting system that permits inkjet printing, slitting and rewinding in one work-step.   "The Flytec 2010 is based on our well proven Flytec 2000 system and is equipped with accumulator and an intelligent menu-driven handling process," says Tony Bell of AB Graphic International. "All finishing and controlling work can be carried out in a single work-step thanks to clever new design features." The F2010 can be supplied for rewind web widths of 330 mm (13") or 410 mm (16") and performs 100% print-face inspection through integrated fleyeVision camera that also allows the production of pharmaceutical or safety labels. The machine comes prepared for integration with inkjet printer to permit serial numbers, sell-by-dates and barcodes on either side of the web to be produced. Slitting is through scissor or razor blade system. Options include fly cut s

RotoMetrics, the narrow web industry’s leading rotary die manufacturer, announced the successful launch of flexible die manufacturing at its new full-service facility in Bangkok, Thailand. Modeled after RotoMetrics facilities in other parts of the world, RotoMetrics SE Asia serves the growing markets in South East Asia, China and India. Mike Frazier, RotoMetrics’ Vice President of Operations states, “Our team has worked diligently to create a world class production facility. The latest machinery and lean manufacturing concepts have been implemented as a means to provide the highest quality products and most efficient service to the Asian market." In an effort to meet global customer demands for product delivery, the facility is strategically located near the new Bangkok Airport and regional logistics hub. Shaun Pullen, Regional Sales Director in Bangkok, adds, "This state-of-the-art facility clearly shows that RotoMetrics is committed to the thriving market in Asia. We’r

(NYSE: FUL) expands its proven Flextra(TM) family of flexible packaging adhesives to introduce Flextra Quiet(TM) laminating adhesive--its first water-based adhesive technology to address the challenge of high noise levels in flexible packaging produced with Ingeo(TM) (PLA) based laminations. Ingeo(TM) is a registered trademark for NatureWorks LLC. Developed to address customer concerns about the noise level of certain sustainable flexible packaging, Flextra Quiet adhesive is a significant innovation that gives environmentally minded consumer packaged goods manufacturers a solution to take their PLA (polylactic acid) based packaging initiatives forward.   "Our team at H.B. Fuller is focused on perfecting adhesives that address the needs of the flexible packaging industry," said Brian Glasbrenner, H.B. Fuller North American sales manager, flexible packaging. "Consumer packaged goods manufacturers have told us they need innovative solutions to reduce the noise levels of

More than 40 executives that joined the Packaging and Converting Executives Forum (PACE) last week, visited Agfa Graphics' Digital Packaging and POP Innovation Centre in Gent (Belgium) to learn the benefits of digital printing and the various high-quality packaging applications of Agfa Graphics' :Dotrix industrial UV inkjet digital press . Print specifiers have been looking at :Dotrix to provide cost-effective and eye-catching packaging for their products. PACE (www.paceforum.com) brings together the C-level Executives that shape the future of the packaging industry. PACE was held in Belgium, Brussels on 9 - 11 February. As consumers' product choices increase and the fight for consumer attention becomes fiercer, brand owners are looking for ways to have their products stand out, while keeping costs under control. Agfa Graphics' Dotrix Modular gives brand owners a way to produce high quality printed packaging materials and it offers greater ROI than conventional printi

In the first quarter of 2012, a new metallizer will be started up that will increase production capacity by approximately 70%.   Torraspapel , part of the Lecta Group, has announced the installation of a new high- vacuum metallizer in its Leitza mill (Spain), scheduled to be operational at the beginning of 2012. The goal is to meet the needs of an expanding market, particularly the labels and packaging sector, and to be a segment leader in the metallization of paper. This new investment strengthens Torraspapel ’s and the Lecta Group’s commitment to diversifying its product range, increasing the production of high added value products, and extending its leadership to different market segments. Torraspapel , a manufacturer of pulp, coated and uncoated paper, base paper and specialty papers such as metallized, carbonless, thermal, cast-coated and self-adhesive papers, has a total production capacity of more than 1.1 million tons. The company has invested heavily in its seven Spa

Last week was held in Tokyo the Convertech fair, one of Asia's most prestigious fairs in the sector of printing and packaging. Comexi Group was present there with a demonstration of a solvent-free lamination carried out by the EVO model. The show casing attracted large audiences, drawing market’s interest of new technology by Comexi Nexus brand specializing in design and manufacture of laminating machines plastic, paper and aluminum. The laminator was acquired by one of the most important Japanese converting groups in order to apply this technology in Japan market. Comexi Group collaborated with the Catalan company Morchem ( http://www.morchem.com) specializing in polyurethane technology applied to the sector of adhesives and coatings, including the development and manufacturing of solvent-free adhesives for flexible packaging application, which is a product of great interest in the Japanese market. About Comexi Group Comexi Group is a lead

Midlands label manufacturer The Mercian Labels Group are bucking the trend by opening their newly refurbished factory following 40 years of successful trading. The new refit of the offices and factory concludes a £1m investment programme that has been carried out over the last 3 years, and includes the launch of a new brand of security labels known as Label Lock ™. As the firm continues to grow, further jobs have been created both at the site in Cannock as well as at their newly acquired business AC Labels in Derby to now total 32 staff. The opening was conducted by Mr Aidan Burley MP , and was attended by printing industry executives Mr Paul Briggs, Industrial Sales Mgr – Xeikon UK (leading manufacturers of Digital Printing Presses) and Mr Chris Green, Sales Director – Gerhardt Ltd. , (leading manufacturers of cutting tools for converting and printing industries), Mr James Boughton, Managing Director Edale Ltd (the UK’s leading printing and converting press manufacturer) as wel

Customers of Kodak and Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc. (Konica Minolta) now have access to a wider range of powerful cut-sheet digital printing systems through a new, expanded global distribution agreement. As leaders in the rapidly growing digital print market, Kodak and Konica Minolta each offer a depth of experience and a robust portfolio of solutions that make it easier for customers to grow and adapt as their businesses evolve.       Under the agreement, the companies will offer production digital printing systems from each company’s portfolio, providing customers with more options based on their volume, applications and performance requirements. The agreement capitalizes on Kodak’s expertise and solutions in the mid- to high-volume cut-sheet digital printing market and Konica Minolta’s strength in the top tier of the light to mid production printing market, and opens up new areas of opportunity for customers of both companies. “We understand the needs of our custom

Schreiner ProSecure introduces new covert security feature for proof of authenticity . To meet the growing tamper- and counterfeit protection demands made on security features for products and packaging, Schreiner ProSecure integrates its new invisible FluxSecure authentication technology into self-adhesive products. The FluxSecure feature can be quickly checked even through product enclosures and packaging. In addition, it is easy to integrate and ensures reliable authentication. The FluxSecure technology by Schreiner ProSecure consists of a magnetically encoded, extremely thin thread which is inserted between the adhesive and the masking paper. FluxSecure has a diameter of about 30 micrometers, which makes it thinner than a human hair. The delicate thread consists of a metal alloy mixture and is surrounded by a glass coating. The magnetic properties of the security feature are read out without line of sight, using a handheld reader or a sensor that generates a magnetic field. Thi

Today, Ricoh Company, Ltd. (Ricoh) and Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) announced a global strategic cooperation. As a first step, both companies agreed to enter into a global distribution contract for Ricoh's Production Printing Product portfolio. This agreement enables Heidelberg to sell Ricoh's latest color digital press, the Ricoh ProTM C901 Graphic Arts Edition - Ricoh`s high speed color digital press with Ricoh PxPTM Chemical toner, as well as appropriate future production printing offerings in Ricoh's pipeline. The global strategic cooperation, which includes Ricoh services and support, will start in April 2011. The first markets will be UK and Germany with a phased rollout to follow in other geographies with completion targeted for drupa 2012. Digital printing continues to grow as commercial printers extend their business models to offer marketing services, short run color, and same-day service. Offset printers are increasingly seeking to complete th

PrintSoft and digital printing pioneer Xeikon have announced a global strategic alliance to create a one-stop shop catering to every aspect of the customer correspondence process. Through the partnership, both Xeikon and PrintSoft will offer integrated solutions designed to meet current market requirements. In particular, the partnership will address the need to send out the right message through the right medium, now a vital element for marketers looking to ensure that campaigns are relevant and targeted. PrintSoft’s expertise and technology will enable businesses to automate the creation, production and delivery of targeted correspondence, while Xeikon has the solution to quickly output that content in the optimum way on the strongest medium, paper. Both companies have previously collaborated on a series of successful customer projects, so a strategic alliance marks a natural step, enabling both Xeikon and PrintSoft to extend their market positions. The partnership also repre

The KODAK NEXPRESS Digital Production Color Platform was once again a judges’ favorite at the International Association of Printing House Craftsmen (IAPHC) Gallery of Superb Printing awards—winning eight awards for a diverse range of innovative applications. Features of the unique, award-winning KODAK NEXPRESS Fifth Imaging Unit Solutions and applications include dimensional, red fluorescing and gloss printing—helping commercial print providers deliver greater value to their customers, while also setting themselves apart from their competition. The Gallery of Superb Printing, presented by IAPHC, honored the KODAK NEXPRESS Digital Production Color Platform with four Gold, three Silver and one Bronze award. The IAPHC awards celebrate outstanding achievement in the art and science of printing and related graphic arts, and are recognized globally as one of the graphic arts industry’s highest honors. The eight awards KODAK NEXPRESS Digital Production Color Platform earned in the 36

Guaranteed and fully automated ISO 12647-2 and G7® conformance will soon be easier than ever thanks to a new solution jointly produced by Alwan Color Expertise, a world leader in color management and standardization technologies, and Digital Information, a world leader in closed-loop systems. The new solution combines the companies’ industry-leading software, Alwan PRINT Standardizer, DI InkZone Move and DI InkZone Loop. The integration of the three products in one unique and complete solution will enable users to print to standards, every job, every day. The new Alwan/DI solution will be launched and showcased at Graphics Of the Americas 2011 on the Digital Information booth (101). The event runs February 24 – 26 in Orlando. Elie Khoury, Alwan Color Expertise's founder and CEO, explains: "Printing to standards helps printers improve their pressroom productivity and profitability. It is heartening to see that many printers worldwide have adopted standards, though adoption ha

Leading international packaging company Clondalkin Group has revealed a new business structure for its successful Flexible Packaging Division in Europe. The Business Unit structure will create greater cohesion between the division’s eight operating companies across Europe; expertise and best practice will now be shared more smoothly within the newly-formed Business Units: Performance Films & Foils, Engineered Films, Laminated & Coated Products and Trading. CEO of the Group’s Flexible Packaging Division, John Fitzgerald, said: “I am delighted to announce the formation of our renewed Flexible Packaging Division Business Unit structure. “The changes will facilitate the appointment of a new management team who will use their vast collective experience of the packaging sector to ensure we remain at the forefront of the Flexible Packaging industry and continue to expand our business by creating innovative and high quality products. “Clondalkin Group’s international pr

UPM Raflatac, one  of the world’s leading suppliers of self-adhesive labelstock, will acquire  Gumtac, the Brazilian labelstock coating and slitting business of BIC  Group. Gumtac is located in Rio de Janeiro and employs approximately 35  people. “UPM Raflatac has in recent years developed a widely recognized brand in  Brazil. Through our distribution terminal in Jaguariúna, São Paulo, we have  served key customers in this rapidly growing market. Gumtac’s well-managed operation will give us an excellent platform to extend our product offering  and further support our customers’ growth in the region,” says Jouko  Lähepelto, Senior Vice President, Americas & Asia Pacific. The closing of the acquisition is subject to obtaining appropriate licences  from local authorities. 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. UPM  Raflatac has a global service network con

Helf Etiketten GmbH, one of Austria’s largest and most well-known label printers situated in the country's largest industrial zone, has responded to the changing needs of the label printing market by installing the Xeikon 3300 digital label press. The investment allowed this prominent label printer to respond to the market's requirements for food-safe, fast-turnaround and small to medium sized print runs - which can only be achieved profitably through digital printing. Previously, Helf Etiketten’s digital print range was limited to a liquid toner solution. But with its new Xeikon 3300, the company is widening its offering and delivering print work more efficiently, particularly on medium-sized print runs on a wide variety of types and designs. The company is also benefitting from the food-safe certified toner used in the Xeikon presses. It allows digitally printed labels for food applications to be produced within exceptionally tight deadlines. The labels can also be custom

Edale’s attendance at this year’s Security Document World, held on 5-6 April at Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London, forms part of the company’s strategy to expand further into the Commercial Security division of their business, namely RFID and Scratch-off telecom cards and promotional vouchers.   With a background which started primarily in developing flexographic machines for the labelling industry, the past ten years have seen Edale steadily broaden their technological capabilities, resulting in the design and production of high specification machines capable of producing pre-paid scratch cards, primarily for phone and lottery companies and RFID insertion equipment. The fully servo-driven Gamma is the ideal platform for the production of scratch card and lottery tickets. The Gamma is a printing and converting system combining the finest print quality with innovative features ensuring high speed changeovers, minimum downtime and minimum wastage. The Gamma’s plug and pl

    The official opening of the Mercian house refit. [ L-R, Hugo Gell (Sales Director), Dennis Marrison, (Chairman), Aidan Burney MP, Dr Adrian Steele (Managing Director) Midlands label manufacturer The Mercian Labels Group are bucking the trend by opening their newly refurbished factory following 40 years of successful trading. The new refit of the offices and factory concludes a £1m investment programme that has been carried out over the last 3 years, and includes the launch of a new brand of security labels known as Label Lock ™. As the firm continues to grow, further jobs have been created both at the site in Cannock as well as at their newly acquired business AC Labels in Derby to now total 32 staff. The opening was conducted by Mr Aidan Burley MP , and was attended by printing industry executives Mr Paul Briggs, Industrial Sales Mgr – Xeikon UK (leading manufacturers of Digital Printing Presses) and Mr Chris Green, Sales Director – Gerhardt Ltd. , (leading manufacturers