Labelling Blog

Thermal plate imaging was introduced at the MZ Druckereigesellschaft mbH print works in the German town of Halle an der Saale approximately two-and-a-half years ago, in the form of two KODAK GENERATION NEWS Platesetters. Over the last few months, the newspaper printing division of Mitteldeutsche Druck- und Verlagshaus GmbH & Co. KG, a company belonging to the Cologne-based media group M. DuMont Schauberg, has been building up experience in working with the new KODAK THERMALNEWS PT Digital Plate. Following the digital imaging process, this printing plate, which has been designed to respond to the needs of modern newspaper offset printing, can be used without the need for any preheating or prewashing (removal of the overcoat). This allows users to reduce both water and energy consumption during print form production. For Dirk Borrmann, print operations manager responsible for coordinating production, this is one of the outstanding features of the new KODAK Plate. The efficienc

Kodak has awarded the SWORD iJET Gloss from Mitsubishi Paper Mills (MPM) a 5 Diamond rating on the Paper Rating Program for KODAK PROSPER Presses , the highest ratin g within the Paper Rating Program. The Kodak 5 Diamond rating is awarded to a media that equates to “offset quality” within the rating structure. MPM has collaborated closely with Kodak in the United States as well as in Japan in order to develop a product that meets such a high rating distinction. Launched by Kodak earlier this year, the Paper Rating Program relies on the collection and analysis of quantifiable data to determine the performance characteristics of any substrate. Kodak measures the image quality using a wide variety of factors and then identifies that substrate using a rating system that ranges from one diamond to five diamonds. The rating helps customers make smart purchasing decisions. SWORD iJET 4.3 Gloss is a premium, glossy media designed to run on today’s high-speed continuous feed inkjet pres

The unique new self-adhesive label material construction (LD-PSL) makes an optimal recycling process possible. CCL Label Meerane GmbH in Germany, the global competence centre for the beverage industry, has developed a special WashOff pressure sensitive label. This forward-looking innovation opens up a range of new possibilities and supports a sustainable recycling process. The newly developed label construction is per­fectly suited for easier separation of the label from the beverage container during the washing process, for example whilst bottle-to-bottle recycling (B2B). The removal performance of these labels is based upon the same principle as the WashOff labels available from CCL. Following the conventional method of reducing the returned PET containers into flakes, the hot water in the water bath causes the labels to shrink, which then separate from the PET flakes without leaving any residu­al ink or adhesive whatsoever. Whilst the PET flakes sink to the bottom, what is left

Bosch Packaging Technology announces that Endangered Species™ Chocolate expects more than a 230 percent boost in output by using Bosch’s Pack 401 horizontal flow wrapper, enabling it to meet increasing demand for its chocolate bars. As evidenced by its name, the premium chocolate company donates 10 percent of its net profits to species and habitat conservation efforts. The Bosch Pack 401 flow wrapper will package Endangered Species chocolate bars in booth #S-2212 at PACK EXPO 2012 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The company has been using Bosch machines since opening in 1993. As more and more consumers were craving its 0.35-ounce Organic Chocolate Squares, known as Chimp Mints and Bug Bites, Endangered Species needed to increase production capacity. The Pack 401 enabled production to jump from 120 pieces per minute to 400 pieces per minute. “The Pack 401 wraps our products faster than we can currently produce them,” said Bryan Fuller, Director of Operations, Endangered Species. “This po

- X-Rite, Incorporated is introducing the X-RiteeXact series of spectrophotometers in the Americas to make color measurement quick and easy for brand managers, pre-media, ink suppliers, printers and converters, while solving  the widespread problem of measuring and matching colors on various substrates and surfaces. With split-second measurement times and improved accuracy to simplify workflow, the eXact instrument is the first spectrophotometer in the industry to offer customers a way to measure true daylight conditions by supporting all the M Standards inclusive of the complete M1. "For today's needs of matching proof to press across many substrates, the X-Rite eXact brings to the supply chain a simple-to-use device that is fully compliant with ISO 13655:2009 measurement standards," said Steve Smiley, owner of SmileyColor & Associates LLC, a Red Oak, Texas-based consulting firm that helps companies manage color across a network of digital, analog and pa

Eastman Kodak Company announced today that its Board of Directors has elected Douglas Edwards as a Senior Vice President of the company, effective immediately. Edwards, 51, is President of the Digital Printing & Enterprise Group, a position to which he was named when Kodak realigned its management last month. His responsibilities include Packaging, Functional Printing, Electrophotographic Solutions, Inkjet Printing Solutions, Kodak Service Business, Consumer Inkjet Systems and Design 2 Launch.  He reports to Kodak Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Antonio M. Perez.     “Doug’s election to this post is recognition of his leadership skills,” said Perez. “Moreover, it is an indication of the confidence we have in him to lead one of the two major businesses around which we will build the future of Kodak.” Prior to being named to his current post, Edwards was General Manager of the Pre-Press Solutions business. Edwards joined Kodak in 2005 when the company acquired full con

      iSys Label is proud to announce their partnership with UK-based Impressions Technology Europe. The two manufacturers have paired up iSys Label’s newest digital label printer, the EDGE 850, with the Eclipse LF3 Digital Cutter to create a one of a kind solution for the short run label market. As of September 2012, iSys Label is the sole distributor for the Eclipse LF3 in North America. The Eclipse LF3 Digital Cutter is a label finishing system that delivers accurate single point registration cutting with lamination, waste matrix removal, slitting and rewind system. Designed for the short run label market, the LF3 complements the EDGE 850 and allows for a complete workflow solution. “The demand for finishing equipment has intensified, especially in the digital environment. Pairing iSys’s label printing technology with the LF3 finishing system results in a finished label that looks great but is also protected from the elements and has extra durability for repeat handling,” sa

Cooperation between AWA Alexander Watson Associates and easyFairs Netherlands AWA Alexander Watson Associates and easyFairs Netherlands and have embarked on a joint strategic collaboration. This partnership will take place during the packaging tradeshow EMPACK 2013 at the Brabanthallen in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, where AWA will organize a one day seminar for parties interested in the labeling & package decorating market. The synergy between the two organizations – AWA provides global business-to-business market research publishing studies and organizing international conferences and workshops in the specialty paper, film, packaging, coating and converting industry, and easyFairs has a European portfolio of packaging trade Fairs – means the foundation of the partnership will generate focus in the labelTECH area. Those interested in label technology will take home a lot of relevant information from EMPACK 2013. The seminar coincides with the first day of trading at EMPACK

Conventional RFID transponders hit their limits when they are applied directly on metal. By contrast, the new ((rfid))-DistaFerr SL (UHF) label by Schreiner ProTech remains completely unimpressed in the neighborhood of conductive materials and allows for e xcellent reading results. The ((rfid))-DistaFerr SL Label uses a special antenna technology enabling the reliable identification of metallic components. Even with the smallest dimensions the label offers a reading range of between one and four meters and is therefore ideal when it comes to labeling metal and carbon components in the automotive industry, production and other industries. Other areas of application include load carriers, metal containers and skeleton containers in logistics. The application of the ((rfid))-DistaFerr SL Label does not require large surfaces thanks to its flexible and thin structure. Therefore, the RFID label is also suitable in settings where the available surface does not suffice for plastic-enc

Meech International has chosen PACK EXPO International (booth #3214, Oct 28th – 31st, Chicago) as the platform to showcase its brand new static elimination bar, the Hyperion 971 – designed for labelling, packaging and converting applications – and the IonRinse™, an ionised air rinsing system specifically tailored to the food and beverage industry. “The decision to update our range of static elimination equipment is a direct result of customer feedback,” explains Business Unit Director for static control, David Rogers. “A lot of our devices are employed in dusty environments, where airborne contaminants can seriously affect the performance of the ionising bars. We made sure the design of the Hyperion 971 would minimise the effects of contamination to meet the needs of our packaging customers.” Business Unit Director for cleaning systems, Adam Battrick elaborates instead on the reasons that led Meech to design the IonRinse™, an alternative to traditional cleaning methods adopted

Sealed Air today launched Cryovac® GT-1 shrink sleeve labels, a hybrid film that uses multi-layer polymer technology to enhance performance and sustainability in today’s shrink sleeve applications. Cryovac® GT-1 shrink sleeve labels’ proprietary multi-layer formulation incorporates polymers in a combination that delivers the same benefits of a monolayer film, such as consistent printing quality, reverse printing capability, and high transverse direction shrink without associated drawbacks such as label brittleness, fracturing, smiles or scuffing. Multi-layer construction also results in a lower density material that enables converters to produce up to 20 percent more shrink sleeve labels per pound of film compared to existing shrink sleeve label materials. The product features early shrink initiation and overall high shrink for a tight, secure fit even in the most challenging applications. These characteristics enable Cryovac® GT-1 shrink sleeve labels to outperform other mat

Coding and marking specialist Linx Printing Technologies has added remote control functionality as standard to the award-winning Linx CJ400 continuous ink jet printer, making it even more simple and cost-effective to use. The new software enables users to control and monitor one, or several, printers from a single computer, and this means that users can look forward to further reductions in costly errors and downtime. It can even accept instructions from other machines in the line – for example, a bagging machine can tell the Linx CJ400 to stop coding if there is a problem in the bagging area. The Linx CJ400’s built-in remote communications protocol allows PCs and other equipment on the production line, such as PLCs, to "talk" to the printer when connected over a network via RS232 or Ethernet. Custom applications can also be created to meet specific needs, and generic printer control packages such as CLARiSOFT® and CLARiNET® can be used. Messages created on a PC using

HP today announced that Nosco , a full-service packaging solutions provider, will be the first U.S. customer for the HP Indigo 30000 Digital Press , HP’s new 29-inch-format, sheet-fed press for folding cartons. Nosco plans to use the HP Indigo 30000 to extend digital printing to larger order quantities of folding cartons and to produce customized cartons using variable data for serialization, personalization and brand protection. Nosco, a 106-year-old company based in Gurnee, Ill., serves 350 customers in regulated industries such as pharmaceutical, natural health and personal care. It has been using HP Indigo systems since installing its first press in 2004. “We will soon be able to offer more digital printing capabilities to our customers, helping them improve cycle time and speed to market, lower inventory and obsolescence, and produce short- to medium-run folding cartons more cost-effectively,” said Russ Haraf, president, Nosco. “Given the increased format size, speed and ve

Inland Label is now offering an innovative in-mold labeling option for brand owners and molders looking for flexibility, cost savings, and increased shelf appeal through their new Opti-Clear IML. When paired with optical grade resins, these super-transparent labels allow you to create a “no label look” on a clear plastic container. This is achieved by not printing or applying a top coat on sections of the label so when it is molded to the container the product becomes visible through it. Opti-Clear IML gives brand owners the flexibility to change their art or have several variations of one label for a product without the added expenses of reprogramming automation or purchasing new dies. Utilizing a label the size of the entire container and only printing on certain sections of it allows for several different label shapes, sizes and designs to be accomplished by simply changing the label art. Existing dies and automation can continue to be used which leads to total cost savings, fas

Inland Label® will be showcasing products using the new Spartech® 1-Seal™ injection in-mold lid technology at Pack Expo 2012 in Chicago, Ill. "Partnering with a label company like Inland Label is central to our strategy of introducing complete solutions for our customers in the food industry," commented Mike Duff, Director of Strategic Partner Development of Spartech Packaging Technologies. "After conducting extensive technical and retail marketing analysis, our team selected an in-mold labeling method instead of pursuing offset printing or pressure sensitive labels. We chose to partner with Inland Label for 1-Seal research and development based on their leadership in the in-mold label industry. We have no doubt that this will be a successful partnership for Spartech Packaging, Inland Label and our customers." The new 1-Seal technology is a durable, recyclable packaging solution that eliminates the need for an additional foil seal or film membrane. The 1-Seal IM

Henkel (Dax: HEN.DE), the leader in adhesives used for package bonding and sealing, and Nordson Corporation (Nasdaq: NDSN), a leading producer of precision dispensing equipment for adhesives and other materials, today announced that they have established a global alliance on new technology development for the packaging market worldwide to provide significant benefits and deliver greater value to their customers. This alliance integrates Nordson’s expertise in equipment engineering and dispensing technology with Henkel’s formulating ability and application knowledge to address the challenges facing packaging customers. To meet those challenges, the two companies will offer integrated, innovative solutions that aim to increase reliability and process efficiency, reducing costs and increasing customer profitability. The alliance will also focus on increasing sustainability and minimizing packagers’ impact on the environment. Today, in Chicago at PACK EXPO, the largest, most comprehens

    Swedish speciality cold desserts from SIA Glass are now on shelf in an eye-catching new container from RPC Superfos.   The Marängswiss - vanilla and chocolate flavoured ice cream with chocolate-covered meringue – is one of the favourite desserts of the Swedes.   SIA Glass produces the dessert using fresh cream and high-quality ingredients. Now the company has replaced its old thermoformed pot with an injection-moulded custom-made design from RPC Superfos.   The new design has brought distinct benefits, as the founder of SIA Glass Per Stenström sayss: "Although the shape and size of the packaging remain the same, we have obtained significant advantages with the new pot.   ”We now have in-mould labelling on the top and bottom, which makes it look even better in the cold counter because the lines and colours of the decoration and text are much sharper. The new packaging is also strong and does not break easily.”   SIA Glass is also pleased with the tamp

The next revolution in short run digital label finishing is now here. The iTech AXXIS Digital Label Finisher by Allen Datagraph Systems Inc. (ADSI) is a complete, affordable digital label finishing solution that meets the needs of all converters and end users who have short run label finishing requirements.     The iTech AXXIS Digital Label Finisher is an all-in-one finishing solution that laminates, digital die-cuts without dies, strips and re-winds your labels. The iTech AXXIS Digital Finisher relies on the proven and revolutionary technology developed by ADSI to die-cut labels on-demand without the need for expensive dies. Or the delay in waiting for dies to be produced. Using the same vector based file data that would typically be “sent out” for die manufacturing, this data is opened in Adobe Illustrator and sent to the iTech AXXIS Digital Label Finisher. Finishing at speeds up to 12 feet per minute, the iTech AXXIS Digital Label Finisher uses plotting technology that can c

UEI Group acquired the assets of Falcontec Ltd., which is headquartered in Halesowen, West Midlands UK. Founded by Stan & Dawn Vigurs, Falcontec has grown to become one of the UK’s premier rotary hot stamping and embossing tooling manufactures supplying the growing pressure sensitive label markets for Home & Personal Care, Food & Beverage, Wine & Spirit and Healthcare industries.   Under Lee Taylor’s guidance, Stan & Dawn Vigurs, and the entire Falcontec team, will continue to operate and manufacture in the Halesowen facility. This will complement UEI Group’s existing manufacturing operations at UEI® Fine Cut’s Lancing facility by increasing market share & manufacturing capacity within the region.   Source: http://www.rotometrics.com

The original paper publication, in plain language and through numerous concrete examples from a wide range of sectors, helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to understand and implement ISO's globally known standard for quality management systems, ISO 9001, implemented worldwide by more than a million organizations, large and small, in manufacturing and services, in public and private sectors The new ePub edition provides new benefits, including: Mobile – can be read on most tablets Reflowable – adapts well to variously sized displays and devices User friendly Easy to read even on small screens Easier to read on tablets than PDF files ISO 9001 for Small Businesses is authored by a group of experts participating in ISO/TC 176, the ISO technical committee responsible for the ISO 9000 family of standards. The full text of ISO 9001:2008 is included in boxes, section by section, accompanied by explanations, examples and implementation guidance in ever

Kodak will unveil its latest solutions for the packaging sector at EMBALLAGE 2012. Printers and print buyers will discover how they can use KODAK Products and Technology to preserve their brand capital, improve their in-store impact, and boost the efficiency of their print environments. The international event takes place at the Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition centre, from 19 to 22 November. Kodak can be found in Hall 6, at stand G129.   Kodak offers an extensive range of packaging technologies , and at EMBALLAGE the company will focus on flexography, offset plates, workflow systems, brand protection solutions and digital presses. “Obviously, delegates will want to learn about technologies most relevant to their role and their business,” says Marie-Paule Flory, Marketing Communication Manager France. “For example, a production manager will be interested in efficiency gains, makeready time, print resolution, vignette smoothness and ink densities. While a brand manager is more con

Electro Optic previews Gold-Line extra sharp magnetic dies Electro Optic (stall D34) will show its Gold-Line extra sharp magnetic dies at Labelexpo India 2012. Thin liner materials such as PE or PET with dimensions of 20µ and less demand the highest standards of precision from all the components involved in the cutting process. Gold-Line extra sharp is designed to face this challenge. Best height parallelism due to the patented back grinding system and optimized cutting ability ensure best possible cutting results on ultra-thin liner materials. Also on show will be Dura-Line and Dura-Line Special, which due to an extremely resistant surface coating provide long life performance and are suitable for materials like Tyvek, laminations and cutting through abrasive colors.     Esko shows latest innovations for tag and label printers Esko (stall C21) will showcase its latest portfolio of integrated solutions specifically targeted at tag and label printers. Next to demos of Su

Pageflex®, the international supplier of printing automation and cross-media marketing solutions, announced today that it is a bronze level sponsor of Print United , the Dscoop EMEA conference happening 7-9 November 2012 at the Hotel Arts in Barcelona, Spain. Dscoop EMEA is an independent, not-for-profit member organization that works closely with executive sponsor HP to provide education and networking opportunities for HP Indigo customers. This marks the first year that Dscoop is hosting an event for members in the EMEA region. Dscoop Europe will bring together HP graphic arts customers from Europe, the Middle East and Africa for three full days of networking events and education sessions. Jon Tolley, Conference chairman and managing director at U.K.-based Prime Group said, “The foundation of Print United is based on the successful conferences held in North America for the past seven years. Our event will cover topics of importance to Graphic Arts customers in EMEA, such as busine

A small, hand-held disposable device for detecting protein on surfaces in food preparation and packaging areas is the latest innovation achieved with the help of self-adhesive labels. Orion Clean Card® PRO, the patent-pending device from Orion Diagnostica, leading Finnish specialists in diagnostic testing systems and hygiene monitoring, was the result of teamwork with the company’s expert label printers, Auraprint Oy, and VTT, the Technical Research Centre of Finland. It has taken more than five years to bring to perfection – and it has already received two accolades for innovation: the Finnish Chemical Industry Innovation Award in 2010 and, just recently, an Innovation Award in the FINAT 2012 Self-adhesive Label Awards – the self-adhesive label industry’s international annual competition recognising and rewarding high achievers in the creative use of the self-adhesive laminate. Self-adhesives labels have contributed much to food and beverage packaging over the years, thanks to th

AWA Inkjet & Digital Label/Packaging Printing Seminar 2013 In Conjunction with the IMI 22nd Annual Ink Jet Printing Conference Late January / February, 2013 – USA AWA Mergers & Acquisitions Executive Forum 2013 March 18, 2012 — Chicago, IL, USA, University Club Chicago AWA Global Release Liner Industry Conference & Exhibition 2013 March 20-21, 2013 – Denver, CO, USA, Grand Hyatt Denver AWA DecTec™ - Labeling & Packaging Decorating Technology Seminar 2013 Conveniently co-located with EMPACK 2013, in cooperation with EasyFairs March 27, 2013 – Den Bosch, the Netherlands, Brabanthallen AWA DecTec™ - Labeling & Packaging Decorating Technology Seminar 2013 Conveniently scheduled prior and in cooperation with ICE USA 2013 April 8, 2013 – Orlando, FL, USA, OCCC AWA In-mold Technologies Seminar 2013 April 17, 2013 – Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Park Plaza Amsterdam AWA International Sleeve Label Conference & Exhibition 2013

FLEXcon was recently honored with the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) Product of the Year Award. The company was named a winner in two categories for FLEXcon’s FLEXmark® floor art™ OV6604 (Safari Overlaminate) in the Finishing-Laminates, Adhesives, Films, Coatings category; and for FLEXcon’s COUNTERdeco™ 6322 Advertising System, in the FDA Indirect Food Compliant in the Media-Non-PVC (Non-woven) category, at this year's SGIA Expo in Las Vegas. The competition recognized the latest equipment and supplies currently on the market that are advancing the specialty imaging industry. “I am very proud of the FLEXcon team,” said Jodi Sawyer, Product Manager, Product Branding Business Team, FLEXcon. “Our work was compared to other products in both the Finishing-Laminates, Adhesives, Films, Coatings category and in the Media-Non-PVC (Non-woven) category, and we came out on top in both. We are proud that FLEXcon’s commitment to quality and innovation allowed us to secure thes