Labelling Blog

The award-winning KODAK FLEXCEL NX System, launched nearly five years ago, has led a revolution in flexography by bringing a higher standard of efficiency, consistency, and quality to flexo printing. The new certification program is designed to take the success of the FLEXCEL NX System to the next level by assuring printers and brand owners that KODAK FLEXCEL NX Plates produced by certified providers are made to a global standard. To achieve the certification and earn the right to use the certification mark, companies must demonstrate that the plates they produce, or print with, are consistently made to a standard Kodak global specification, representing a feature set that drives industry-leading efficiency, stability, and quality in print. The certification process is supported by comprehensive data measurement and recommendations from satisfied clients. “The market has come to know and appreciate the capabilities of the FLEXCEL NX System, and the new program will make it even ...

After spending time reviewing their distribution network and analysing their potential growth markets, Edale have signed ES Print to promote their range of printing presses and converting equipment throughout Russia. ES Print was founded in 2004 and focuses on the supply of machinery, spare parts and consumables for the flexographic printing market across Russia where they have established themselves as a leader in their field and are highly respected with customers and suppliers alike. Alexey Mosevnin, CEO of ES Print, says “We wanted to work with Edale as we feel our company principles are the same. We have an individual approach to every customer, with responsiveness and flexibility in our day to day operations, he continues “it is a great pleasure to work with a company who really want to sell machines that will satisfy customer needs”. James Boughton, Edale’s Managing Director adds “Our target is to establish long term relationships with customers as well as...

Mark Andy's latest in-line die cutting technology, Quick Change Die Cut (QCDC), has been awarded the 2013 Technical Innovation Award by the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA). This marks a back-to-back win in this category for the press manufacturer, a rare occurrence in this highly competitive industry contest. The FTA Technical Innovation Award "recognizes companies whose visions and perseverance bring new products and technologies to the flexographic marketplace." Judged on six specific areas including Technical Achievement, Impact on the Industry, and User Testimonials, the award acknowledges the significant impact technology has on the future of flexography. The honor was awarded to Mark Andy at the FTA Awards Banquet held 28 April during the FTA Annual Forum and INFO*FLEX event in San Diego, California. Accepting the award on behalf of Mark Andy were Bill McCroskey, Principal Mechanical Engineer, and Joe Calmese, Project Manager, New Product Developm...

Mark Andy, Inc. has acquired the consumables distribution segment of Presstek, Inc. Both companies are under the ownership of American Industrial Partners Capital Fund (AIP), who purchased the entire Presstek, Inc. business last October.  The addition of this portion of Presstek, Inc. to Mark Andy, Inc. provides a solid foundation for the long-standing prepress, pressroom and post-press supplies business that serves you, our customers. To support the organization, a new business unit named Mark Andy Print Products has been established.  Beginning April 27, 2013 customers will have complete access to all the same products, supplies and distribution centers.  Mark Andy Print Products is open for business. Mark Andy Print Products will continue to operate from its current sales and distribution center location in Des Plaines with no change to daily operations or personnel.  All supplies and consumables products continue to be available for purchase through th...

In the quest for quality, until now the combination of smooth highlight printing and gravure-like solid ink densities for flexible packaging remained difficult. Esko, who significantly improved flexo platemaking with its HD Flexo technology, now provides a crucial answer by releasing Full HD Flexo for flexible packaging. First introduced at drupa 2012, Full HD Flexo today is a proven technology, implemented at more than twenty flexo tradeshops and converters worldwide – all of whom confirm the outstanding benefits of this technology. ”With Full HD Flexo, Esko once more raises the standard. Esko flexo customers are asking for the combination of the benefits of HD Flexo together with a gravure-like ink laydown and a fully digitally controlled platemaking workflow. This is what Full HD Flexo brings and it moves flexo to an unseen level of quality and consistency with no need for compromises. Our unique, patented technology stretches the possibilities of flexo printing, allowing it to pe...

With the purchase of a Gallus EM 510, the company Turbel NV is increasing the chances of growing success in their served markets. The company, founded in 1955, is widely known as an exclusive distributor of labeling applications on one hand and as a manufacturer of all kinds of labels on the other. This is already the third Gallus press Turbel includes into their machinery. The machine, equipped with 2 flexo printing units, is mainly used for production of A4 sheet labels and logistics labels. Installation of the new Gallus EM 510 at Turbel NV. From left to right: Wim Brunsting, Sales Manager Gallus Benelux, Roland Cuvelier – General Manager, Michel Hawryszkow – Technician, Jean-Luc Bastin – Technical Support and Karel Siau – Production Manager. Since the Gallus EM 510 meets the requirements for the production of high volumes of A4 sheet labels ideally, CEO Roland Cuvelier and his management of Turbel NV decided for another investment into a professional production solution and ...

Esko’s ( www.esko.com ) array of solutions, designed to help print and packaging operations maximize the opportunities generated by the fast growing Chinese market, will be the highlight of its presence at China Print on stand E2-090. The 8th Beijing International Printing Technology Exhibition will run from May 14 to May 18 at the New China Exhibition Center, Beijing. “While the economy of Europe and North America has been hit by the global economic slowdown, China and South East Asia have continued to grow,” explains Chris Miller, Esko Vice President China. “Driving this is a rapidly growing middle class that is now more likely to buy branded goods. As such, brand owners are relying on local operations to meet shorter turnaround times while maintaining consistently high quality results. This is required to develop customer recognition and foster long term loyalty.”   Visitors to the Esko stand at China Print will discover how Esko solutions for brand execution, packaging...

The UIC Pavilion in Chicago was once again rockin’ for the FIRST Robotics Program’s Midwest Regional competition on April 5 and 6.  Geneva (IL) High School’s Robotics Team – the Robovikes – who are sponsored by The Label Printers (Aurora, IL), competed against 54 teams who came to this regional championship from five states and Turkey. The competition challenges high school students, working with professional mentors, to design, build and program a competitive robot. This year’s “game”, titled “Ultimate Ascent,” required the robots to shoot Frisbees into rectangular “slots” set at different heights in walls at each end of the game court. Robots could earn extra points if they climbed up a metal pyramid that looked a bit like monkey bars.  In each 2 minute and 15 second match, two “alliances” of three teams each controlled a total of 6 robots (designed and built by each team from a kit of parts). 2013 was the Robovikes 5 th competition – and, as they have since their Roo...

In the quest for quality, until now the combination of smooth highlight printing and gravure-like solid ink densities for flexible packaging remained difficult. Esko, who significantly improved flexo platemaking with its HD Flexo technology, now provides a crucial answer by releasing Full HD Flexo for flexible packaging. First introduced at drupa 2012, Full HD Flexo today is a proven technology, implemented at more than twenty flexo tradeshops and converters worldwide – all of whom confirm the outstanding benefits of this technology.     ”With Full HD Flexo, Esko once more raises the standard. Esko flexo customers are asking for the combination of the benefits of HD Flexo together with a gravure-like ink laydown and a fully digitally controlled platemaking workflow. This is what Full HD Flexo brings and it moves flexo to an unseen level of quality and consistency with no need for compromises. Our unique, patented technology stretches the possibilities of flexo printin...

FLEXcon, an innovator in adhesive coating and laminating, today announced Ken Koldan, FLEXcon’s New Business Development Manager, has been selected as the Executive Director of Development and Strategy for Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility (AIM) Global and elected to the North America Board of Directors of the Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility (AIM) North America (NA) . "AIM is very pleased to welcome Ken Koldan in his new role,” said Chuck Evanhoe, chairman of the AIM Global Inc. Board. “Ken has a wealth of knowledge to contribute and tremendous expertise in the AIDC industry. His direct involvement with our organization will bring incredible business value that will directly benefit our members, our Association, and the AIDC global industry as a whole.” The AIM Global Inc. is the premier source of industry support for the automatic identification and data capture industry, delivering access to information, education, advocacy, sta...

Acucote Inc. offers a complete line of specialty, pressure-sensitive materials designed for the unique labeling requirements of the wine industry.  Offering more than 25 material constructions, customers can select from a variety of facestocks to fulfill application requirements. This line includes textured, embossed, pearlescent, gloss and natural finish stocks; several are treated for wet strength performance.  Acucote wine label products feature Manter’s SH 6020 Plus™ permanent acrylic adhesive. Designed for maximum water resistance, SH 6020 Plus™ avoids the formation of winkles caused by humidity and condensation. When refrigerated or immersed in ice, SH 6020 Plus™ resists degradation for up to 4 hours. Upon initial application, constructions are repositionable for 30 minutes. Beyond wine labels, this line should be considered for microbrew beers, gourmet food packaging and upscale health and beauty products. All items are available no trim with a minimum order quan...

Central de Empaques SA (CEMSA), part of Grupo Industrial EEC founded in Guatemala City in 1981, has installed an OMET VaryFlex 2 line at CEMSPACK, its new paper cup production facility near Mexico City. The 670mm wide OMET press, which has five UV-flexo printing units, a single rotary die-cutting station, and a delivery conveyor, has been specified with a Martin Automatic MBX butt splicer to allow continuous running.   A Martin Automatic MBX butt splicer boosts paper cup production efficiency on new Omet press. According to Carlos Alfredo Rivera, who provides technical assistance for both the Guatemala and Mexico plants: "The OMET was chosen after a series of production tests in which it produced the best combination of quality and speed for the type of work we produce at CEMSPACK." The decision to fit Martin Automatic ancillary equipment was made following good experience with similar technology from the American manufacturer on an earlier OMET press. Rivera co...

Avvo Labels has ordered an RSC slitter/rewinder finishing machine marking the 25th ROTOCONTROL finishing machine for South Africa. ROTOCONTROL today announced another RSC slitter/rewinder finishing machine ordered in South Africa for Avvo Labels. The order was led by ROTOCON, the local agent for ROTOCONTROL in South Africa and marks the 25th ROTOCONTROL finishing machine sold in South Africa. Ordered by Avvo Labels was an RSC 440 web width slitter/rewinder finishing machine. Vishnu Lalbeharie, Owner of Avvo Labels, visited the ROTOCON booth at Propak Africa 2013 in addition to other brands exhibiting at the event. Technology and local after-sales service were the compelling features that led to an order for ROTOCONTROL. The ROTOCONTROL RSC In operation since 1985 out of Durban, Avvo Labels specializes in 1-8 colour self-adhesive labels, barcode labeling, multi-coloured garment labels, computer labels, blank labels, wrap-around and shrink sleeve labels, and are suppliers of ...

Following the recent purchase of a Daco rotary die cutter, Label Metrics were being asked regularly for fan folded labels.  Daco were able to convert a Ben Bunch 500 to servo drive that had been running with a mechanical connection on an Edale Beta flexographic label press. “After a request from more than one customer to change to fan folded labels rather than roll format we called upon Daco to help us obtain a solution.  The project concluded with Daco supplying Label Metrics Ltd with a Ben Bunch fanfold machine, fitting it with a servo drive and linking the machine to one of our existing die cutting machines previously purchased from Daco.  Now installed at our new factory at Melton, production Director Matt Bly now has the flexibility to run the die cutter with or without the Ben Bunch inline be means simple electronic connection and no mechanical connection. Label Metrics Ltd would like to thank Daco for the innovative solution and success of the project.  We...

Narrow web label and packaging converters from around the world are encouraged to submit sample labels for evaluation by a panel of industry judges . For the 9 th consecutive year, the winners of this prestigious award will be announced during a live event on the Flint Group stand at Labelexpo Europe – Brussels, September 2013. The criteria for judging follows the standard guidelines set by the industry associations FINAT and TLMI and include: registration, smoothness of dot/vignette, overall print quality, and degree of difficulty. The judges also review each label for creative use of inks and colour – rewarding prints that exhibit extra-ordinary use of ink. Participate and join the industry in celebrating excellence and the art of printing in a narrow web platform. Flint Group will highlight a special category introduced for “web packaging applications”, and encourages printers to demonstrate the enriched pallet of applications possible using narrow / mid web presses. “...

In the first quarter of 2013 Constantia Flexibles, headquartered in Vienna, has continued its growth strategy with three acquisitions. In January Globalpack, the market leader for flexible packaging and folding carton in Mexico was bought. The company supplies mainly the consumer goods industry for daily needs in food and beverages. 1,500 employees at two production sites in San Luis Potosí and Monterrey achieve sales of EUR 180 million. The acquisition constitutes an excellent complement in the product portfolio, access to new customers in North America as well as a strong presence in the growth market Central America. In February a contract for the purchase of the Spear Group in the US, one of the globally leading labels producers, was signed. The company has been technology leader for 30 years in the growth market of pressure-sensitive labels for the beverage industry. Spear achieved sales of EUR 150 million with 650 employees at four sites in North America and one each in...

As the pioneer of the stretch sleeveapplicator technology , PDC Europe continues innovating. “ Ever since we founded PDC in 1984 and patented our stretch sleeve labeling systems, our priority has been to anticipate the future, and more specifically to reduce our customers’ costs.Today’s economic environment encourages us to continue pursuing this direction ”explains Derek Vandevoorde, PDC Europe’s President. In our modern society cost saving coupled with the sensitivity to environmental issues are a huge dilemma for many manufacturers. PDC Europe had the challenge to answer both these questions by offering the best alternative possible to its customers. The PE sleeve has evolved and now competes head-on with the traditional solutions on the market: adhesive labels, full-wrap shrink labels, as well as thermo-shrink sleeves. It is capable of sleeving highly curved bottles (up to50%) as well as supporting cutting-edge printing techniques for an outstanding result: on the surface for a...

Edale’s Bernhard Grob alongside Jerry and Sean Porter of Porter Pac Edale today announce their very recent exclusive partnership with family run Porter Pac, based in 57632 Eichen, Germany. Porter Pac are specialists in the label and packaging markets with a proven background in successfully selling US brand flexographic printing presses for many years across Germany, and Worldwide. As well as narrow web and labeling focuses, Porter Pac are also key distributors for slitter rewinder machinery, and Edale saw the Germany based company as a strong match. During April 2013 Jerry Porter, and son Sean, travelled over to Edale’s Head Office for a meeting with Edale’s Export Sales Director, Bernhard Grob, to meet and learn more about the product range that Edale offer. Bernhard Grob says “I feel Porter Pac will be a great company to represent the Edale brand. Both Jerry and Sean are very hands-on with a great reputation alongside a wealth ,of technical knowledge which will be inval...

A unique platform for the exchange of interdisciplinary knowledge and experience across the broad spectrum of digital production. Label and packaging printers and converters have some important dates to mark on their calendars this year. In the coming months, several Xeikon Cafés are planned at different venues across Europe, offering a unique opportunity to discover new approaches and technologies, and share knowledge and expertise with peers and other industry professionals.   The concept of a Xeikon Café is simple but effective: To provide an informal knowledge exchange platform covering the different aspects of digitalizing print production, while cutting through the information overload. With this aim in mind, Xeikon and its Aura Partners are inviting printers and converters to come along to local events. Every Xeikon Café is organized around a central theme or topic, such as digital printing technology, converting equipment, print media, software, or consumables and ...

To increase its productivity, Medved has recently purchased three Italian labelling machines for the new bottling lines of its Pron plant. A unique unprecedented project in Russia, which will allow Medved to increase its productivity from 2 to 5 million decalitres a year, thereby becoming one of Russia's top ten vodka producers. Founded in 2004 in the region of Tula, Medved is a company whose name means "Bear", a popular symbol in Russia which means national pride. This is why Medved is now placed on the market as a reality to imitate, a celebrity. And this is exactly how all types of vodka produced by Medved were conceived and considered. We all know that in Russia, vodka is not only considered a drink, but it's something that reflects the character, dignity and strength of every single subject, through its countless features: dry, soft, ice-cold, fruity, strong or light. A product so heart-felt and personal can only claim a perfect presentation with its packag...

  Adrian Steele (Mercian Labels, Left) and Duncan Robinson (Pillbox Design, R) with one of the early digitally printed carton jobs from the Xeikon 3300   Short run label and carton printer Mercian Labels and packaging design house Pillbox Design have partnered in an exclusive arrangement to offer an integrated design service for digitally printed labels and packaging. Mercian Labels have recently expanded their product offering into short run digitally printed cartons and quickly identified a requirement for specialist packaging design support to assist their customers. “We found our early customers loved the quality and concept of digitally printed cartons but were trying to ‘copy and paste’ their label designs onto cartons” said Dr Adrian Steele, MD of Mercian Labels. “It often dosnt work that simply, and through Linkedin we sought a strategic packaging design partner for the new market we are building in digital cartons.  Pillbox were introduced to us through...

Miller Graphics is helping its customers to improve the quality of their packaging after adopting KODAK FLEXCEL Direct and KODAK FLEXCEL NX Plate technologies. The repro house works in close collaboration with its customers, and together they are producing award-winning packaging – last year they walked away with seven Flexostar awards. Since using KODAK FLEXCEL Plate technology , Miller Graphics has received very positive feedback from its customers, after they were able to improve quality, reduce waste and increase productivity.     Philippe Desange, Kodak. Laurent Charvin, Gascogne Laminate. Emmanuelle Cottet, studio Miller Graphics Sud Responsible. Valérie COUTANT, packaging responsible for La Boulangère NORAC group and Jean-Pierre BONNET ATF President. The FLEXCEL Direct System offers solvent-free production systems for sleeves and plates. The system eliminates a number of time-consuming and costly stages involving UV exposure and chemical processing.. Meanwhil...

New strong emotional supports and special effects to gain the attention and arouse curiosity. The appointment with innovation is at Guandong’s stand at Fespa 2013. Absolute stars will be the diamond-points of Guandong wide range of products, both unlabeled and branded, offered to European distributors and OEM customers. A complete choice which shifts from plastic materials to banners, from magnetic sheeting to textiles. At Fespa, spotlights will be put on the Window Graphics Collection: from the see-through effect of Double Way Vision to the light effects of One Way Vision Night&Day , both visible during day and night, thanks to its back-light effect. Special attention for PolyFLAT backlit and light-stop: the largest full-plastic multilayer in the world, 3,20m width . The Company will also present the newest generation banners: the FusionFLEX , suitable for LATEX, the high-coated PolyRAFIA and the CROSS-WIND , the perfect solution for light and resistant outdoor applications. And ...