Labelling Blog

The Board of the European Flexographic Industry Association was recently delighted to celebrate their 100th Board Meeting since the inception of the organisation. Very kindly hosted by DS Smith Packaging, the Board held its 100th Board meeting at the prestigious Belper site and was presented with a celebration cake by Mr Tony Foster, Senior Director of DS Smith Packaging.   Commenting on the progress of the Association, Tony Foster said “It is vital that trade associations such as EFIA continue to thrive in our ever changing environment and support us to attract and train new blood into our industry. The work EFIA is doing with the Academy 2 e-modular training system, running the annual print competition to recognise print standards of excellence amongst member companies and in bringing together flexo printers on common causes, is to be applauded. It is commendable that the association is run by a group of volunteers and we know that working full time, as well as supporting your in

Pressure-sensitive adhesives play a major role in many markets today – not just labelling, but also medical and hygiene, industrial tapes, graphic arts materials, specialty laminates, and an increasing number of new application areas. To meet the needs of this broadening platform for these versatile products, AWA Alexander Watson Associates will host an in-depth, cross-disciplinary, international Adhesive Technology Seminar 2013 on 9 October at the Hyatt Rosemont Hotel, Chicago USA.   Cross-disciplinary agenda The seminar agenda has been constructed to provide industry participants at a variety of levels, from raw material supplier to end users, with a day of expert presentations on key technical issues and established and developing technologies, featuring speakers from Ashland, Dow Corning, Henkel, Mondi, and Novamelt Americas, among others. Their input is supported by detailed market data from AWA Alexander Watson Associates, drawn from the company’s extensive base of knowledg

French print house becomes the first printer in France to print metallic gold effects digitally with the KODAK NEXPRESS SX3900 Digital Production Color Press, equipped with the new XXL Long Sheet option     — Etoile Imprim can now ensure its products stand out from its competitors after investing in KODAK NEXPRESS Gold Dry Ink . The company is the first print service provider in France to adopt the new inks, which it will use to add an attention-grabbing effect to personalised print products.   Based in Bezons to the north of Paris, Etoile Imprim employs 19 staff and generates sales of 3.2 million euros. The company offers a wide range of services to businesses of all sizes. Committed to sustainability, Etoile Imprim boasts the Imprim’Vert label, is ISO 14001, PEFC and FSC certified, and a signatory to the UN Global Compact. It carried out its carbon balance in 2010, which was unusual for a small business at the time.     Originally a sheet-fed offset operation, Etoi

Xeikon announces that Label'Or in Belgium has expanded its digital production capacity by installing a second Xeikon 3300. This multi award-winning label printing press and top model in the Xeikon 3000 Series is suitable for roll widths up to 330mm and runs at a maximum speed of 19.2 m/min, enabling a production capacity of almost 400 m²/hour.     Label’Or, located in Lontzen in the province of Liège, borders three countries – Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany. This successful family business was established in 1977 by Jean-Marie Peters and his wife Monique, and is today managed by Jean-Marie and his son Pascal. The company initially specialised in traditional techniques like flexo and letterpress for self-adhesive label printing but interest in new digital technologies gradually grew. In 2008, the choice for digital was definitively made with an investment in their first Xeikon 3300, a good decision according to Jean-Marie: “We are particularly happy that we made the sh

Formerly an all-digital operation dedicated to production of flexible packaging, labels, and wide-format display work, Orbytel Print and Packaging ( www.orbytel.com ) now utilizes Heidelberg's full integrated solution to provide its customers with a one-stop solution to their packaging needs. The centerpiece of Orbytel's solution is a highly automated 5-color Speedmaster XL 75 with full UV, Prinect Inpress Control inline color measurement system, AutoPlate XL, and InkStar automatic ink feed. A Suprasetter 75 CtP unit with workflow lends support on the prepress side, while a KAMA ProCut 74 die cutter provides flexible postpress processing. A special prepress link between Prinect Prepress Manager and Orbytel's packaging-specific EskoArtwork workflow provides the company with intelligent JDF connectivity.   The new Speedmaster XL 75 UV will enable Orbytel to go after the larger, "meatier" carton and display work the company couldn't handle with its dig

  Sun Chemical Corporation said today it is supporting customers in the print and packaging industries as they migrate to using the eXact series of spectrophotometers made by X-Rite/Pantone.   Patrice Aurenty, Business Leader, Color Management at Sun Chemical, said the eXact spectrophotometer "is a revolutionary instrument that takes us to the next steps for digital color communication, and we are very happy to assist X-Rite introducing this into the market, as well as into our own global color platform."   The X-Rite eXact brings to the supply chain a simple-to-use device that is fully compliant with ISO 13655:2009 measurement standards, which printers use to match proof to press across many substrates. 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 comp

The many business-enhancing benefits of the KODAK FLEXCEL NX System are encouraging swathes of companies across Europe to shout about their production capabilities by achieving Kodak’s Certification for KODAK Flexcel NX Plates .   The quality standard is awarded to those operations that have proven that the Flexcel NX Plates they produce are consistently made to a global Kodak specification, representing a feature set that drives industry-leading efficiency, stability, and quality in print. The process relies on exhaustive data measurement and recommendations from satisfied customers.   Trailblazing companies that were the first four to join the programme include Reproservice Eurodigital, Germany, Flexograf, Italy, Magnegraf, Spain and the UK’s Reproflex 3.   Signaling success Reproservice Eurodigital, a member of Matthews Brand Solutions, was one of the first European users of the KODAK FLEXCEL NX System to gain the certification. The Munich packaging repro and plate ex

Comexi Group has opened the Comexi Group Research, a 550m² permanent space dedicated to the research and development of new products.  The Research Center will be dedicated to both its own preliminary prototypes testing and validation tasks (software, mechanisms) and to different works on equipments and solutions to be incorporated into Comexi’s Group products.  According to its strategic support to R+D, the Comexi Group Research Centre will be open to collaborative research among clients, partners and co-suppliers in what may be a qualitative leap in the field of the flexible packaging conversion industry innovation. This new space will be a private area which will guarantee the confidentiality of both Comexi’s Group own developments and the ones of the partners involved in them.   The new Research Centre facilities have a large machinery park. Among them, a flexographic printing system prepared to print in Solvent Base, Water Base, Water Based EB and WetFlex and EB contin

  With Esko and CERM integrated automation, label producer takes full advantage of digital printing .     Dutch label specialist Geostick has always been at the forefront of digital printing revolution in the label industry. To entirely exploit the flexibility and productivity of its label presses – including three digital HP Indigo presses, Geostick turned to Esko and CERM to implement a highly automated and integrated workflow for its prepress and administration. “With the automation now in place, we can do more work in less time. And we continue to improve our performance every day,” states Cees Schouten, Geostick Technical Director.   “Switching to a new MIS-system is not an easy process, as it is the heart of your entire operation,” adds Schouten. “We are using Esko´s prepress system to feed our digital and flexo presses. By adding Esko´s Automation Engine on top and connecting it to the CERM MIS platform, we were able to bring our productivity and responsiveness to

UV inkjet printing is gathering momentum and growing across the world, according to a new market report from Smithers Pira. The UV inkjet printed products market sector is forecast to grow 18.3% and reach $15.9 billion by 2018. The instant curing and durability offers significant technical, economic and environmental advantages for many applications.   The Future of UV Inkjet Printing to 2018 , a new study from Smithers Pira, provides quantitative market forecasts for the next five years, by region for all major end-use markets, with specific focus on equipment, inks and substrates.   UV inkjet printing has a variety of uses, including signage, labels, commercial print, security and packaging. It is also used in textile printing on canvas, in the promotional item sector, decoration and industrial manufacturing. Of these, packaging and labels are the fastest growing, with security and signage at the bottom of the list, yet still exhibiting strong growth. Signage was one of the f

MAXStick Products Ltd. is pleased to announce the opening of a sales office in Europe. The office, located in Paris, will handle sales and support as well as distribution of MAXStick products throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).   MAXStick, the latest revolutionary product from MAXStick Products, is the world’s first liner-free, repositionable adhesive, direct thermal label product designed for everyday use in an assortment of industries including food service/hospitality, warehousing, retail, libraries, reusable plastic containers and medical diagnostics.   As MAXStick Products continues to expand its market in the EMEA region, this new sales office will allow for additional opportunities and increased customer satisfaction. MAXStick Products continues to maintain a long term commitment to providing the highest quality customer service to each and every customer.   The new sales office will work alongside current MAXStick distribution partners; Merley Pa

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York today confirmed Kodak’s Plan of Reorganization. The Plan describes the company’s strategy to emerge from Chapter 11 restructuring as a technology leader serving commercial imaging markets. In confirming the Plan, the Court said, “It will be enormously valuable for the Company to get out of Chapter 11, and begin to regain its position in the pantheon of American business.” The Plan also reflects the company’s effective utilization of the Chapter 11 process to achieve its key reorganization objectives, including successfully reducing legacy costs, liabilities and infrastructure, exiting or spinning off businesses and assets that were no longer core to its future, and focusing on the company’s most profitable business lines. “Today, the Court confirmed Kodak’s Plan of Reorganization. This critically important milestone marks the final step in the Court process,” said Antonio M. Perez, Chairman and Chief Executive Offic

Transilwrap Company, Inc., North America’s premier manufacturer and converter of plastic film, has introduced ProPrint® Plus—the newest addition to their industry leading ProPrint® line of high quality printable synthetic media. This durable new synthetic media is specially manufactured to hold vivid color print using flexography, offset lithography, gravure, screen, wide format and UV digital printing, while offering enhanced rigidity and stiffness beyond traditional synthetic paper options. “We’re ecstatic to offer our customers this new addition to our ProPrint line,” says Theresa Vanna, Transilwrap Graphic Solutions Business Director. “We’ve responded to our customer’s requests for a printable synthetic media with greater rigidity and believe that ProPrint Plus will be a valued option for commercial printing, retail and design professionals.” ProPrint Plus bridges the gap between traditional synthetic papers and other rigid materials by providing rigidity without compromisin

Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials has introduced its Select Solutions™ Reclosure portfolio, designed to help package designers and packaged goods companies meet consumers’ needs for the convenience reclosure technology provides. “This new portfolio of film facestocks and specially engineered adhesives is ideal for wet and dry home, personal care and food product applications,” explained David Collins, director, prime papers and specialty, Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials – North America. “Pressure-sensitive reclosure products offer consumers excellent convenience, while providing brand owners the ability to create differentiated packaging.”   Select Solutions Reclosure portfolio constructions offer several types of seal strength and levels of tack. In addition, the portfolio offers excellent resistance to moisture, solvents, fats and oils, delivering versatility across market segments and products. For added construction stiffness, the material can be ov

Avery Dennison today introduced its first Select Solutions™ portfolio of specialized pressure-sensitive materials. These new portfolios feature low minimum order quantities, day-of price quotations and four-day shipping, and will allow converters to address specific, unique-application label needs.   “The first Select Solutions portfolio is a collection of Holographic label materials which is ideal for commemorative products, seasonal packaging or instances where brand owners want to communicate a product’s premium nature and increase its shelf appeal,” says David Collins, director, prime papers, Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials – North America. “By integrating holographic label materials with standard packaging, products can attract consumers and impact their decision at the point of purchase.” The portfolio of film and paper materials uses a multi-layered coating to refract light and create a variety of optical effects, including iridescent and prismatic visuals.

In Zone Brands beverages are not only healthy, they are fun for kids. The containers are fun shapes, easy to hold, and have cartoon character figurine heads on each package. In order to keep the figurine head in position and provide tamper evidence through the point of sale, PDC developed a special version F-160-TS Shrinkbander to apply the sleeve over the heads, which come to the machine randomly; Batman follows Mickey, who follows Cinderella, all of which are larger than the bottle and cap diameters. The challenge was to put a very large shrink band over the heads, position them accurately and shrink them uniformly, at 120 bpm.   PDC provided a solution to this challenge by adding special vacuum blocks to the F-160's application finger assembly. The container is presented in a timing screw under the point of application, dwelled in the screw, and the band is fed off the mandrel by the applicator fingers and held open in vacuum at four points as it is lowered to the cap

Leonhard Kurz Stiftung & Co. KG will present a new dimension in plastics decoration at K 2013. The specialist in decorative and functional coatings will be giving a live demonstration of a process for decorating 3D geometries under technically demanding conditions. A special highlight of the display will be the combined application of Inmold Decoration (IMD) and Inmold Labeling (IML) on the same injection molding machine . This machine will be used to produce a curved automotive center console panel, which will be both decorated and equipped with special functions during the injection molding process.   The patented 3DHS finishing process, which, in contrast to conventional hot stamping, is capable of decorating three-dimensional components, will also be demonstrated. Kurz developed the 3DHS process as a cost-effective decoration option for slight to moderate 3D geometries. Visitors to the trade fair booth will be able to see a vertical stamping machine developed by the Kurz

Diversifying into package printing is a key topic at Labelexpo Europe 2013 as details are announced of the show’s new Package Printing Workshop. Taking place in hall 12, the show organizers will be running a specially created workshop in partnership with Xeikon and Nuova GIDUE. Returning to Brussels Expo between 24 – 27 September, the workshop will demonstrate the opportunities both digital and conventional printing can bring to folding carton, lid laminate and stand up pouch decoration. This will see Xeikon showcasing the digital printing of carton packaging using a 3500 model, while Nuova GIDUE will have a Combat M3 Digital Flexo press producing flexible packaging. Xeikon will look at the “most compact Roll2carton solution”, as a part of its folding carton suite. The Xeikon team will be printing a label to be applied to a glass jar and a carton carry pack that holds three jars. The Xeikon 3500 digital press will be equipped with a digital varnish print station applying Xeko

Although machine sophistication has improved, the requirement for more skilled and computer literate operators has also increased, which relies on a higher level of skill to operate the new machines currently on the market. Without losing the machine ability the machines intelligence is being increased to allow a ‘no settings required’ machine.  For instance, when the rewind core sizes are changed on automatic machines this will involve a long and skilled routine of changes and test runs to achieve the desired finished roll quality. The ASHE philosophy is to do this with no changes other than entering the core size. The machine will automatically set itself to the required parameters and positions. No machine demonstrates this better than the new Opal T³ automatic turret machine, designed for offline and inline use. The machine is so capable it can ( if required) run alternate core sizes on its 4 spindles, the patented glue less operation needs no operator adjustment significantl

Dutch full-service print provider, Molenberg Media, has invested in three KODAK Systems to meet the needs of its fast-growing customer base. The company has installed two KODAK NEXPRESS Digital Production Color Presses and a KODAK DIGIMASTER Digital Production System. The investment has streamlined Molenberg Media’s operation, boosted productivity, and enabled the company to broaden its print portfolio.   Molenberg Media delivers print products for large corporate organizations, as well as materials for retailers in the food and non-food sectors, such as builders’ merchants. Its retail customers range in size from local businesses to chains with 450 stores. “We make all kinds of materials that you see in shops, such as displays, leaflets, shelf cards, posters, and large-format canvas banners,” says Molenberg Media’s director and owner, René Molenberg. With business thriving, Molenberg Media has relocated its 40-strong team to new premises in Zwolle: “Last year, we posted 62%

Tapio Kolunsarka has been appointed Executive Vice President of UPM Raflatac and a new member of the UPM Group Executive Team as of 1 September 2013. He will transfer to the new position from his current post as Senior Vice President of UPM Raflatac EMEA. Tapio Kolunsarka has over ten years’ experience in business development and general management in Europe and the Americas. He joined UPM Raflatac in 2002, and has since held various key positions within operations, supply chain and business management. “I am excited to be taking the helm at UPM Raflatac. Our company has a successful growth track record spanning 40 years, based on excellent customer service and first-class expertise,” Tapio Kolunsarka says. “Our firm aim for the future is to continue serving customers even better.” Current head Jussi Vanhanen has decided to leave UPM after 18 years, to pursue personal interests in writing and to act as a management advisor at a leading consulting company. “I have thoroughly e

Print shops often had to make substantial compromises until now when producing labels for the tyre labels prescribed by the EU at the end of 2012: The very good adhesion properties required were frequently "offset" by the significant disadvantages in the adhesive's converting properties: HERMA is now putting an end to these compromises: the self-adhesive material specialist will present its innovative adhesive for tyre labelling 65TperfectCut (65Tpc) at LabelExpo (Hall 11, Stand R100). Developed on the basis of multi-layer technology, the plasticiser-free dispersion adhesive impresses equally with the best adhesion and converting properties. Adhesive bleed significantly reduced Virtually all tyres that are available must be labelled according to a standard system in accordance with EU regulation no.1222/2009. The tyre labels contain information on fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise. Only labels with extremely good adhesion can be considered due to th

This is the first IML barrier pack made in Spain that fulfils 3 objectives: high-quality, high-impact decoration; drastically reduced OTR levels; and low levels of product preservatives. This makes the pack perfect for limited life-cycle products, since it facilitates conservation, production, handling, transport and distribution. Staged by the Hispack Show in Barcelona and the Association Graphispack, the Liderpack Awards are intended for the best packaging, packing and POS materials of the year. They are recognised as the most coveted awards in Spain, and highlight advances in innovation, design, creativity and sustainability. The Awards this year saw a 30% increase in entries over last year, pulling in 85 creations from companies and design schools from 15 Spanish provinces, of which 28 received awards or mentions. The winning entries in the packaging section will go on to represent Spain at the Worldstar Awards staged each year by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO).  

An exciting new material at Royston Labels, a leading UK label manufacturer , enables printed labels to feel soft and silky to the touch. This fantastic development provides an opportunity for brands to make their products stand out by appealing to more of their customers’ senses. The new soft-touch technology can be used to enhance any label design. Royston can combine it with clear or solid base materials, and an array of printing techniques. In addition, soft-touch can be applied with very minimal impact on the overall thickness of the label (something which wasn’t possible until now). “Soft-touch labels are fabulous when used on glass bottles because of the contrasting textures.” explained Stephanie Rogers of Royston Labels. “The glass is cold and hard, while the label is warm and soft. This differentiator really helps engage customers.” In their soft-touch range Royston also has a beautiful metallic variant, and a modern black. “All three materials will deliver innovative

ImageTek Labels, a PCM Company announced the recent addition of a Jetrion 4900 UV Inkjet system.  “A game changer for sure”, states Lynda Murphy, their long-time production manager.  ImageTek Labels, who over the last decade has built their niche market in durable label products, has a strong presence in the development and manufacture of industrial label solutions. The addition of the Jetrion expands their capabilities with the vision of entering into prime label markets where digital, short run labels are bridging the gaps in traditional printing methods. The addition of the Jetrion 4900 digital printing system was a natural next step for ImageTek Labels. Combining both digital printing and finishing in one single system, the Jetrion will support the manufacture of durable labels that have kept ImageTek Labels at the top of the harsh environment label markets, while expanding their short run capabilities and lessening lead times; a win-win for ImageTek Labels and their current cust

UK based licensor Fix-a-Form International Ltd is proud to announce the recent appointment of Clondalkin Group - Largo as a licensed manufacturer of Fix-a-Form® multi-panel solutions in North America. Part of the Clondalkin Pharma and Healthcare, the Florida based facility was established in 1960 and provides specialised printed and packaging solutions to a broad range of end-user markets. The state-of-the-art Largo facility employs over 100 staff members and has digital, offset and flexographic printing capabilities. Fix-a-Form International’s Managing Director Andrew Denny commented: “We are delighted to welcome a further Clondalkin Group member to our network of Fix-a-Form® providers. This appointment forms part of our strategic growth plan to serve the increasing demand for high-quality ECL / booklet labels in North America. The Florida team are highly innovative and experienced in providing custom printed solutions. Our custom booklet label manufacturing equipment wil

Pressure-sensitive labels and shrink sleeves are the topics of two focused workshops scheduled this autumn in AWA Alexander Watson Associates’ events program in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.   Pressure-sensitive labels The Introduction to Pressure-sensitive/Self-adhesive Technology Workshop 2013, organised in co-operation with Chemsultants International, is an in-depth two-day opportunity for newcomers to the industry to gain real grounding in the essentials of this key labeling technology. Led by Chemsultants’ Director of Research and Development, Dave McCann, and Director of Coating Operations, Tom Besselman, the workshop is a continuation of an established series of industry training programs co-hosted by AWA Alexander Watson Associates and Chemsultants International. It takes place on November 4 and 5 at Hotel Casa 400 in Amsterdam.   Heat shrink labels The Introduction to Heat Shrink Sleeve Label Technologies Workshop 2013, at the same location on November 5, brings toge

MAXStick Products Ltd is pleased to announce that it has been issued patent No. 8,445,104 B2, effective May 21, 2013, by the United States Patent and Trademark office for MAXStick. MAXStick, the latest innovative creation from Max International, is the world’s first liner-free, repositionable adhesive, direct thermal label product designed for everyday use in an assortment of industries including food service/hospitality, warehousing, retail, reusable plastic containers and medical diagnostics. MAXStick is crafted to work on standard thermal POS printers with little or no modification required to the printer. Unlike most other linerless label products on the market, MAXStick has a silicon free release coat which not only makes it easily removable from any surface, but also preserves the integrity of the print head. This ground-breaking product also meets several green initiatives in that it is recyclable, biodegradable and BP-A free. Without the need of an environmentally unfrien