Labelling Blog

Color Label Makes A Sustainable Choice With A Fully Refurbished Nilpeter FA-2500

2021-06-09T14:28:00.000+02:00

Danish Color Label, owners of no less than 10 Nilpeter presses, has made another sustainable press investment by acquiring a fully refurbished, pre-owned Nilpeter FA-2500. An absolutely beautiful classic, according to Nilpeter's own Nick Hughes.

"I've said it before, and I'll say it again - for us, Nilpeter is the Mercedes of flexo label printing presses, and we have never considered investing in anything else," says Erik Grønning, CEO & Owner of Color Label.

Pre-Owned Program
Nilpeter's Pre-Owned Program is a part of a strategic objective to create sustainable initiatives. Pre-Owned printing presses are often traded in as part of a new purchasing decision. The presses are then fully refurbished to improve the condition and lifetime, providing many years of stabile press performance to a new owner.

The newly refurbished 8-colour UV FA-2500 installed at Color Label is the second of its kind to land on the production floor in Aarhus, Denmark. The press software has been upgraded considerably and all vital mechanical parts and electrical components controlled and/or changed. Cosmetically, all panels and covers have been treated and received a powder coating to factory standards. The result is quite simply an "absolutely beautiful classic," if you ask Nilpeter Ltd. Managing Director, Nick Hughes.

"With the purchase of our second newly refurbished FA-2500, we now have a total of ten Nilpeter presses on the factory floor, ranging from 10 to 16 inches. And this one looks and feels brand new. They've really done an outstanding job on the refurbishment," Erik Grønning adds.

A Pleasure Working With Color Label
"This is the second press in which we have performed a nut and bolt rebuild for Color Label. It has been a pleasure working with Erik Grønning and Lonnie Melskens, as we have the same expectations when it comes to quality and standards," says Nick Hughes.

The Sustainable Choice
"The newly refurbished FA-2500 fits right in. We know it's reliable, and it's a sustainable choice that allows us to reuse existing tooling, and continue producing green and cost-effective linerless labels. All jobs can be run on all machines, enabling us to always deliver on time, which is in our DNA," Erik Grønning concludes.

A Leading Label Supplier
Established in 1980, Color Label A/S is one of the leading Danish suppliers of self-adhesive labels to the food industry, the chemical industry, and for retail trade. Color Label is a service-oriented and innovative company that strives to solve any label challenge regardless of the printing and delivery requirements.

Photo caption: The newly refurbished 8-colour UV Nilpeter FA-2500 installed at Color Label is the second of its kind to land on the production floor in Aarhus, Denmark

Over the years, capacity has multiplied through investments in new and more efficient machinery, strong IT management, and the optimal physical facilities. After the latest expansion with an increased buffer storage, among other things, Color Label now has more than 3,600 sq.m. at their disposal.

Spektr automates quality control with the EyeC ProofRunner Web inspection system

2021-06-09T14:22:00.000+02:00

Spektr, a leading label and packaging printer in Belarus has installed the EyeC ProofRunner Web 100% inspection system for automatic quality control of printed labels. Leading the sale was Paritet System, the local EyeC partner in Belarus.

The EyeC ProofRunner Web 450 inspection system was installed on the Bobst Expert M3 flexo printing press. The system provides constant monitoring of the printing process and identifies various types of label defects, the criteria for which are determined in the system settings, and instantly alerts the printer if any faults are detected.

Full control of print quality provided by the EyeC ProofRunner Web without the visual involvement of the printer makes it possible to increase overall printing speed. One-stop service Serving the label market more than 20 years, Spektr is known as a trend setter in the premium label segment and a leader of the Belarusian market in volume of labels produced with a high degree of finishing.

The printing house operates mainly with Bobst and Omet presses with a maximum number of flexo units up to 12 colours. Spektr offers a complete turnkey process which includes design development, printing of labels and packaging, and delivery by its own transport fleet serving customers in CIS countries as well Western Europe.

Production is equipped with more than 40 units of printing equipment and the total number of employees exceeds 400 people. Automatic 100% inspection with ProofRunner Web The EyeC ProofRunner Web series is a complete range of in-line inspection systems for label, leaflet, foil, and flexible packaging printing. Installed on a printing press or a rewinder, the EyeC ProofRunner Web uses a compact, high speed line scan camera to continuously acquire a high-resolution image of the entire web.

A highperformance computer system identifies all printed items on the web and performs an intelligent comparison of each printed item against the customer proof. Press Release For more information: www.EyeC-inspection.com Defects such as errors in text, colour deviations, misregistration, press contamination, hickeys, filled in or missing characters are caught in real time – allowing the printer to correct any issues before too much waste is printed. "We have a long-term relationship with Spektr in providing raw materials for printing," said Kiryl Zubrytski, director of Paritet System, LLC. "It is a great honour for us to be more than just a supplier but also the first to install an EyeC inspection system at one of the largest printing houses in Belarus."

Xeikon first to confirm participation in Hunkeler Innovationdays 2022

2021-06-05T10:33:00.000+02:00

Xeikon is one of the first companies to confirm its attendance at Hunkeler Innovationdays 2022. This will be the first live exhibition to take place in the Graphic Arts sector following the Covid-19 pandemic, and the fourteenth edition of this prestigious and popular event. Focused on high-performance digital printing and finishing, this international print industry event is scheduled to be held in Switzerland at the Lucerne Exhibition Centre from 21st to 24th February 2022, and it will be the 9th participation in a row for Xeikon.systems."

Dimitri Van Gaever, Market Segment Director for Graphic Arts, states, "During these past months, Xeikon has completed an important milestone by introducing its SIRIUS technology, the cornerstone of Xeikon's new roll-fed duplex presses. With the successful commercialization of its next generation dry toner technology stack, Xeikon is confirming its commitment to the graphic arts market. The company's journey of full colour, digital print production started more than 30 years ago and Xeikon continues to innovate and bring to market advanced, added value technologies and systems."

The Xeikon SX30000 is the most productive full colour duplex press of the SIRIUS family, delivering up to 2,545 B2 sheets an hour (404ppm A4). Because of its full rotary concept without fixed sheets or frame size, it is more versatile than sheet-fed options. The Xeikon SX20000 is the entry level press of the new line-up which also offers leading EP performance but at a lower price point, while still benefiting from all the technological developments of the flagship press.

Van Gaever states, "The Graphic Arts market has gone through a difficult time. However, we are now seeing a 'bounce back' and growing volumes. We are noticing that printers in these sectors are becoming more aware and open to increasing and optimizing their manufacturing processes. This is where digital printing and Xeikon's SIRIUS technology can be their dependable cornerstone to facilitate their strategies. We know that seeing is believing, and with the return of Hunkeler Innovationdays it will be a perfect opportunity for visitors to dive into our new production lines and understand the value they can offer to the challenges they face."

Xeikon is dedicated to helping its customers improve business profitability and drive growth. Xeikon designs and develops cost effective, efficient and sustainable solutions which offer unique value propositions. At Hunkeler Innovationdays 2022, Xeikon will showcase its latest digital print production solutions for the graphic arts markets that offer high OEE and best-in-class TCO. With Xeikon's long-standing expertise, the company has developed a deeper understanding that helps their customers make relevant and appropriate choices. They are recognised globally as a 'go-to' trusted advisor and solutions provider.

Philipp Fritschi, Project manager of Innovationdays at Hunkeler, concludes, "Hunkeler Innovationdays is now a well-established gathering in the printing industry calendar. We are excited that, after an abnormal period brought about by the global pandemic, we will be able to physically bring the industry together in February 2022. Print is tangible and this is a unique meeting place where the digital world becomes physical and visitors gain an insight into the versatile scenarios with a high practical relevance. Industry owners, managing directors, management and experts in high performance digital printing will sit around a physical table, evaluate printed output and assess the latest developments in digital printing and finishing. We are delighted to welcome Xeikon to our 2022 event in beautiful Lucerne, Switzerland."

Grif Installs Two New Nilpeter FA-17 To Reach More Competitive Label Markets

2021-06-02T20:02:00.001+02:00

Grif Rótulos e Etiquetas Adhesivas of Brazil has installed two new Nilpeter FA-17 flexo presses. Thanks to the fast make-ready, low waste, and increased productivity of the FA-17, Grif plans to reach more competitive label markets in South America. The increased production and cost efficiency will enable Grif to achieve better and lower pricing structures.

Nilpeter Presses in São Paulo
Grif operates a total of 15 flexo presses in São Paulo, Brazil. The first Nilpeter press, an MO-3300S, was acquired in 2008. This was followed by a number of FB-Lines, and now, two new FA-17 presses. This year, 2021, Grif celebrates 35 years in existence, with several different activities planned to mark the occasion.

Better Service & Value-Added Solutions
Grif's main focus is set on pressure sensitive labels and aims to better service segments, where price plays a larger role with the new presses, while offering value-added solutions to market segments, where they are already represented.

"Having 10 colours with inline process combinations such as cold foil, screen, and different types of lamination, will allow us to present more creative solutions to the market," says Francisco Paz, Owner, Grif Rótulos e Etiquetas Adhesivas.

"Nilpeter provides outstanding support that gives us the operational security we need, which translates into confidence in our ability to print high quality labels, in high speeds, with the least operational cost possible," he continues.

Lower Cost Per Label
Built around the modern print operator, with an intuitive user interface and fully mobile print controls, the Nilpeter FA-Line provides a maximum level of stability, the tightest register tolerance, and excellent printing results on multiple substrates: All normal self-adhesive materials, including flexible packaging films, polymer films, metallic films, and paper.

The FA features Nilpeter's lightweight, easy-load sleeves for reduced setup times, easy handling, increased production speeds, higher printing quality, and impressive durability, not to mention a lower cost per label.

The Fight Against COVID-19
Grif has no doubt been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. With caution, travel and import restrictions, the entire process of installation and production start-up was postponed for about 6 months, but thanks to high levels of safety and process control, Grif has been able to participate in the fight against COVID-19 through the manufacturing of vaccine labels from Butantã.

The pressure sensitive market in Latin America continues to grow, year after year, with Grif focusing its activities to support a sustainable and continuous growth.
"As soon as our production capacity reaches 50%, we will evaluate further investments. Our strategy is based on a 'Just-In-Time" philosophy, working as closely as possible with our customers to secure short, on-demand delivery. This requires "free" production capacity, so if all goes to plan, we will be looking to add more equipment in the future," Francisco Paz concludes.

About Grif
Founded in 1986, Grif Rótulos e Etiquetas Adhesivas specializes in the manufacturing of high-tech adhesive labels, proposing innovative ideas for packaging decorations and point of sale highlights. For over 3 decades, Grif has offered the best adhesive label and promotional sticker solutions for food, cosmetics, drinks, hygiene, and cleaning, among other market segments. Grif takes great pride in participating in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, through the manufacturing of vaccine labels from Butantã. Grif has a large structure and consolidated procedures, with ISO-certification, and all the security and technology needed to meet the most critical levels of market demand, including also for the pharmaceutical segment, which requires a high level of safety and process control.

Photo caption: Grif Owner, Francisco Paz, poses with Rubens Wilmers, Nilpeter Brasil, in front of one of the new Nilpeter FA-17 presses.
Awards website.

- Ends -

Download image of Jim DeFife by clicking this link here.
Images from the awards are available on the awards gallery page.
For photos, logos or more information about the Label Industry Global Awards and the Labelexpo Global Series, please contact:
Helen Stoddart, communications manager, Labelexpo Global Series.

Email: hstoddart@labelexpo.com
Tel: +44 (0)20 8846 2720

Notes to editors:
The Label Industry Global Awards 2019 category finalists were as follows (Labelexpo Europe stand location indicated where applicable). All are listed in alphabetical order:
1. The Award for Innovation (for companies with up to 300 employees), sponsored by Flint Group Narrow Web:

GEW (EC) Limited (6C18)
GMG GmbH & Co. KG. (6A22)
Hybrid Software Inc. (8B24)
Lake Image Systems Ltd. (9B22)
Sÿnia/Wizzcom (3E77)

2. The Award for Innovation (for companies with more than 300 employees), sponsored by Xeikon:

Esko (3C60)
Lenze (3C66)
Lintec Europe (UK) Ltd (3A20)
Wink Stanzwerkzeuge GmbH & Co. KG (6C32)

3. The Environmental & Sustainability Award, sponsored by Labels & Labeling:

Avery Dennison (5A31 & 5A27)
Sleever International
Valmet (5E43)

4. The Rising Star Award, sponsored by the Label Academy and Avery Dennison:

Katie Davis – Bostik (6B20)
Jesses Freitas – StickerGiant
Ahmed Lotfi Mansour - Bayan for Printing & Packaging
Robert Rae – GEW (6C18)
Pawandeep Sahni - Weldon

5. European Converter of the Year Award, sponsored by Grafisk Maskinfabrik:

CS Labels
Marzek Etiketten + Packaging GmbH
Reynders
Stratus Packaging

The Label Industry Global Awards were created in 2004 to celebrate innovation and excellence within the label and package printing sector. The Awards ceremony alternates each year between Labelexpo Europe (Brussels) and Labelexpo Americas (Chicago).

The R. Stanton Avery Achievement Award is bestowed in memory of Stan Avery’s pioneering spirit and values. The award is a significant update to the previously named R. Stanton Avery Lifetime Achievement Award in order to better reflect the industry as it is today – one embracing innovation and tackling major environmental challenges such as label waste.
The members of the judging panel for this year’s awards were: Mike Fairley (chair), James Quirk, group managing editor, Labels & Labeling; Chris Ellison, president, FINAT; Craig Moreland, past chairman, TLMI; Steve Katz, editor, Label & Narrow Web; and Jean Poncet, editor-in-chief, MP MEDIAS.
Follow the Label Industry Global Awards on Twitter at @LabelAwards.
For more information about Labelexpo Europe 2019, visit www.labelexpo-europe.com.

Epson Introduces Four New ColorWorks On-Demand Color Label Printers

2019-09-25T20:36:00.001+02:00

Epson America today announced four new additions to its ColorWorks^® on-demand color label printer lineup – the ColorWorks C6000A, C6000P, C6500A, and C6500P. The first printers specifically designed as a color upgrade to black-only thermal transfer printers¹, the new ColorWorks models deliver on-demand, 4- or 8-inch color labels at a comparable price². Engineered for mission-critical applications, the reliable printers speed through labels at up to 5-inches per second³. The printers enable industrial and commercial organizations to produce high volume color labels for production use. The new ColorWorks label printers are on display at Pack Expo in Las Vegas, Nev., Sept. 23-25, 2019, at Epson’s booth, #C-5204.

“The industry recognizes the benefits of on-demand color label printing, but we also know it can be difficult to make the transition from a black-only thermal transfer printing process that is already set up in the current workflow,” said Andy Scherz, senior product manager, Commercial Label Printers, Epson America, Inc. “This new family of ColorWorks on-demand label printers provides an easy transition for customers looking to make that vital switch, with similar media handling capabilities, speed, features, and connectivity options that deliver seamless integration with existing workflows, so customers can get up and running with a new, more colorful system, fast.”

Featuring up to 1200 dpi resolution, the new models produce crisp images comparable to pre-printed labels. Compatible with ZPL II, SAP^® and more, and built to accommodate remote printer management, these versatile printers offer seamless integration with an existing workflow. The new ColorWorks C6000 family delivers a comprehensive range of capabilities to meet the requirements of the most common thermal transfer applications. Four- and eight-inch models cover the full spectrum of label sizes, with two models being the first ever color inkjet printers to support peel-and-present capabilities for fast hand or automated label application⁴, and two models including an auto cutter to create variable length labels and enable easy job separation.

The new ColorWorks models deliver dependable, commercial inkjet printing with fast-drying, durable color inks and enhanced productivity, while offering cost and inventory reduction compared to using pre-printed labels. Additional features include:

- Reliable – Engineered by Epson for demanding applications; backed by industry-leading service and support

- First Printer Specifically Designed as a Color Upgrade to Black-Only Thermal Transfer Printers¹ – Designed with similar media handling capabilities, speed, features and connectivity options, all at a comparable price point

- Enhanced Productivity – Eliminates the need to pre-print; speeds up to 5-inches per second³; fast time to first label

- Astounding Image Quality – Up to 1200 dpi resolution with various droplet sizes; crisp images comparable to pre-printed labels

- Seamless Integration – Compatible with ZPL II, major middleware, SAP, Windows^®, Mac^®, and Linux

- Remote Printer Management – For managing large fleets over the network

- Peel-and-Present –C6000P and C6500P offer fast, on-demand print-and-apply applications

- Auto Cutter – C6000A and C6500A come standard with auto cutter, ideal for fast, on-demand applications

- Applicator I/O Control Port for Automated Workflow – Supports I/O commands; can be integrated into nearly any workflow

- Low Cost – Comparable to existing thermal transfer printers²

- Durable, High-Quality Labels – Meets BS 5609 certification⁵

Availability

The new ColorWorks C6000 family of on-demand label printer models will be available in January 2020 through Epson’s vast network of authorized partners. For additional information, visit www.epson.com/colorworks.

Mondi will provide timely insights about premium pet food shoppers in research study results available free to booth visitors at Pack Expo 2019

2019-09-25T20:35:00.001+02:00

Mondi, global leader in innovative and sustainable packaging and paper solutions, will provide Pack Expo 2019 attendees with an interesting glimpse into the minds of premium pet food shoppers, their decision-making drivers and packaging preferences. Attendees of the Sept. 23-25 trade show, taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, can stop by Mondi Booth LS-6516 to collect their complimentary copy of a white paper with results of an in-depth premium pet food consumer survey. The 18-page paper, entitled “Premium Pet Food Purchaser Survey Results: Trends, Behaviors and Insights Pet Food Manufacturers Can Leverage to Convert Consumers,” is based on research conducted by Mondi in partnership with Dow Chemical in the first quarter of 2019

Following are just a few highlights from the survey, which polled 605 premium pet food purchasers from across the United States:

· 75 percent of consumers say they would feel more favorably toward a brand that changed its packaging to be more sustainable

· 80 percent of premium pet food shoppers are trying to reduce their impact on the environment

· 82 percent seek packaging convenience: “…solutions that make life easier.”

· 75 percent identified product freshness as an important packaging feature.

Mondi team members will be on hand at Pack Expo to discuss the research findings and related packaging strategies to help pet food brands meet evolving consumer preferences. The white paper’s actionable insights cover:

· what buyers look for in premium pet food brands

· what features would influence them to switch brands

· how different packaging features drive purchasing decisions.

Mondi also will showcase several of its latest packaging innovations, including ultra-high-definition flexographic printing capabilities, a paper-based food tray solution and a water-repellant industrial paper sack.

Mondi’s Sustainability Vision

Mondi’s vision is to contribute to a better world through more sustainable packaging. Taking a pro-active approach to sustainable development is key to helping customers meet their own sustainability targets and vital for addressing the environmental challenges facing the planet.

Mondi will offer complimentary copies of its new white paper about premium pet food purchaser preferences at Pack Expo Booth LS-6516.

UPM Raflatac’s new paper label materials made with recycled content help brands go circular

2019-09-25T20:32:00.001+02:00

UPM Raflatac is introducing two new sustainable paper label materials with recycled content to the market. UPM Raflatac Recycled Coat PCR-FSC paper face and UPM Raflatac Honey Glassine PCR-FSC paper liner contribute to a circular economy and reduce the pressure on forests and the consumption of natural resources. These new label materials answer brand owners’ needs to increase the amount of recycled content in their packaging materials.

UPM Raflatac aims to use wood raw materials as efficiently as possible. This means keeping raw materials in use as long as possible through promoting recycling and using recycled fibres. These innovative paper label materials made with recycled content are FSC^® certified (licence code FSC-C012530). FSC certification provides a credible assurance that FSC certified label materials originate from recycled materials, sustainably managed forests, other controlled sources or a mixture of those. Choosing label materials with recycled content is a concrete action to help take care of the world’s forests by releasing the pressure on the forests and to promote a circular economy.

Honey Glassine PCR-FSC paper liner is made with recycled content collected from UPM Raflatac’s RafCycle partners. As part of its RafCycle^® by UPM Raflatac recycling program, the company collects the paper liner waste and gives it a new life as paper liner. This is a true closed loop inspired by the limitless opportunities of circular economy.

“The world is facing serious challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity. We want to be part of the solution by offering label materials that enhance the sustainability of packaging, yet maintain the functionality, quality and commercial feasibility. Our paper label materials with recycled content contribute to these needs perfectly,” says Ville Pollari, Director, Business Segment VIP & Prime, UPM Raflatac.

Hamilton Adhesive Labels Reduces Makeready Time by 30% with Asahi AWP™ Flexographic Plates

2019-09-25T20:30:00.001+02:00

Asahi Photoproducts, a pioneer in flexographic photopolymer plate development, today reported that Hamilton Adhesive Labels Ltd., a leading converter of printed and plain labels for the food & drink, industrial, automotive, personal and household care markets with an annual turnover in excess of £12 million, has chosen Asahi AWP™ water-washable flexographic plates with CleanPrint. Hamilton operates from a 40,000 square foot manufacturing and warehousing facility centrally located in Bardon, Leicestershire, with a dedicated team of more than 65 people focused on product and service excellence.

Upon joining the company in 2016, Operations Director Paul Larkin, an industry veteran with more than 44 years of experience, was tasked with helping to make the business more sustainable and to identify low-cost changes that could have high productivity impact using his Measurement and Control philosophy, designed to deliver a predictive system that ensures “right first time” performance with world-class quality. He then formed a Formula One (F1) pit stop team tasked with optimizing productivity based on the new predictive system. He states, “Unless you can demonstrate a level of quality, the market is limited for any company.” Over his first year, Larkin examined every phase of the flexographic printing process, including flexographic plates, seeking ways he could improve it.

Read full release and download documents

Hamilton Adhesive Labels received the FlexoTech Supreme Award “Highly Commended in Category Narrow Web” and the Best Print Award for the Kenko Koi Food (Colour Plus) label application

Xeikon to show new ‘smart label’ solution at Labelexpo 2019

2019-09-25T20:29:00.001+02:00

Showcasing at Labelexpo 2019, Xeikon will present its latest advancements in labeling technology, a new ‘smart label’ solution developed and created in partnership with UPM Raflatac and Magic Add. Demonstrations will be held on both Xeikon and UPM Raflatac’s stands at the show. The cloud-based application enables track and trace capability for labels; it is designed to help brand owners wanting to bring labels and packaging online, they are now better able to measure the success of their campaigns or to control the supply chain. All of Xeikon’s solutions are developed with value as a top priority. This solution is designed to achieve consumer trust and confidence in the brands, and bring added value to the end user.

Jeroen Van Bauwel, Director Product Management at Xeikon, explains, “More and more brands want to say ‘we are providing the authentic product’. In creating this smart label solution for brand owners, we have worked with UPM Raflatac and Magic Add to put the ‘smart’ part into label design. Many industries are integrating technology into their product lines and producing ‘smart’ products to meet current trends. Xeikon continues to utilise the constant advancements in technology for the benefit of the label community. This smart label solution incorporates technology that extends the functionality of labels and packaging beyond traditional print methods. What’s exciting is the technology behind the action.”