AC Labels claims world record barcode label

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the patenting of the barcode, variable barcode labelling specialist AC Labels in Derby (UK) has produced what is believed to be the world's longest linear barcode self adhesive label.

The monster label, measuring 40m long was constructed using the classic Code 128 linear barcode symbology to say “HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY BARCODE!” in machine readable format on self adhesive label material. The label was printed in just over 2 minutes on a Xeikon 3300 on a single piece of material without any stitching of the barcode image.  The attempt has been submitted to the Guinness Book of Records as a world record attempt.

Dr Adrian Steele, Managing Director of the Mercian Labels Group commented "This exercise was undertaken to test the capabilities of our equipment to address unusual barcode label projects as well as celebrating the barcode's birthday.  Unusually, it is also one of the few labels to leave our factory without knowingly being verified to ANSI standards, but to be honest finding a scanning device up to the job has proved somewhat challenging.  Our best idea so far is to ask NASA to spin the Hubble space telescope around and take a snap."

FINAT innovation award goes to nameplate with integrated pressure compensation seal by Schreiner ProTech

The FINAT judges rated the nameplate-integrated pressure compensation seals (PCS) by Schreiner ProTech as a particularly innovative entry at this year’s Label Award competition and recognized the product solution with a special award in the “Innovation Group.” The functional assembly components reliably compensate for pressure differences in electronic component housings such as bicycle batteries and are applied to the component together with the nameplate in a single process step. This saves material and reduces production time.

At the 32nd Label Competition of the worldwide association of the self-adhesive labeling industry, Schreiner ProTech had the pleasure of being awarded 1st place in the “Innovation” group. “Innovation is an integral component of our corporate values. We continue to subject even proven product solutions such as the pressure compensation seals to further development by combining various technologies,” says Michael Spörl, Product Manager PCS, at Schreiner ProTech. The objective of the award-winning product solution was to merge two separate process steps by integrating marking and ventilation in a single functional component. This saves process times and significantly reduces costs.

The integration of the pressure compensation seal into a BleedStop label forms the core element of the innovation. The film-based labels equipped with a BleedStop system prevent adhesive bleeding and ensure reliable adhesion to rough surfaces. This was particularly important for the part in a harsh production environment. As well as the adhesion substrate consisting of rough metal with slightly oily contamination the salt spray fog test that is used to check the corrosion resistance of components had to be considered.

Employees from product and process management, product development, manufacturing and quality management achieved the solution that was tested with the customer prior to being used in the field. The space-saving multifunctional marking offers flexibility in terms of application and, in addition, has a positive effect on the visual appearance of a product. The nameplates with integrated PCS are delivered on rolls. The customer can directly print and subsequently dispense and apply them in a fully automated assembly process. The specialty labels are also available as pre-printed versions and are suitable for manual application as well.

HP promotes digital labels and packaging at UK events

HP recently announced its participation in a range of UK events to help packaging and label converters learn the benefits of HP Indigo Digital Printing.

With four presses (1) and two future platforms (2) for packaging and label converters, HP Indigo presses offer high-quality colour, fast turnarounds, variable data printing and ability to handle a wide range of label, flexible packaging, shrink sleeve and folding carton media. In a variety of event formats, HP will present its technologies as well as its compelling proposition for digital printing.

At the BPIF Cartons Conference, held on 3rd and 4th October, HP had an information stand where HP focused on its new digital carton press, the HP Indigo 30000 Digital Press, an effective solution for quick-response, small-order quantities. HP also participated in the discussion, "Cartons in 2020," chaired by Josh Brooks, editor, of Packaging News magazine.

The BPIF event runs alongside Packaging Innovations London, 4th-5th October, at the Business Design Centre, Islington, where there will be complimentary seminars in the learnShops Theatre. Entitled "New Digital Age" Julia Cole presented a seminar on 5 October on how to explore digital label, flexible packaging and folding carton printing that can enable brands worldwide to create individual pieces-on-demand with less waste and meet the demands of today's customers.

Simultaneously, Alon Bar-Shany, vice president and general manager, Indigo Division, HP, presented the keynote address, "Innovation in Digital Packaging: Using New Technologies to Make an Impact," at the Smithers Pira Digital Print for Packaging Conference, on 24-25 October, at Grange Tower Bridge, London. Bar-Shany's address explore the evolution of digital printing and what it means for labels and packaging and new packaging applications made possible by the latest printing technology.

On 27 - 28 February 2013, HP will exhibit at Packtech 2013, at the NEC, Birmingham. This event continues to grow, attracting converters, print buyers and end-users. HP's digital supermarket is scheduled to be part of the stand, demonstrating the broad range of label, shrink sleeve, flexible packaging and folding carton applications possible with HP Indigo presses. Full details of HP's participation will be available nearer the show.

"Taking HP's digital label and packaging converting message to these events will enable us to engage with our customers on a personal level and promote the benefits of digital print to converters, brand owners and creatives," said Julia Cole, marketing manager, UK & Ireland, Indigo Division, HP. "Our packaing initiative is already underway beginning with our participation in the Ultimate Packaging Open House in Grimsby."

The Open House marked the installation of Ultimate Packaging's HP Indigo WS6600 Digital Press. Adding a digital press to conventional packaging converting operations can open opportunities for creatives, support end-users in meeting delivery deadlines, and make it possible for packaging converters to develop new business.

Other benefits of digital packaging include economically viable short runs for both converter and end-user; faster time to market, simplified logistics, reduced storage costs, and the ability to respond more quickly to product demand levels and changes in the market.

While HP is going around participating in a range of UK events to help packaging and label converters learn the benefits of HP Indigo Digital Printing, HP is conspicuously absent from this year’s Labelexpo India although this year’s show is more focused towards digital printing. However, other digital giants including first time exhibitor EFI Jetrion is exhibiting at the show. 

Dow Corning presents latest pressure sensitive solutions at Labelexpo India 2012

Dow Corning, a global leader in the development of silicone technology for the pressure sensitive industry, is introducing innovative new release coatings and pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) at Labelexpo India 2012, scheduled for Oct. 29 through Nov. 1 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. The company will display its solutions in Booth A66.

The new products, which are designed to help label, tape and non-stick packaging manufacturers improve performance, increase productivity, control costs and operate more sustainably, include new Syl-Off brand water-based solutions for coating films and non-stick packaging, along with low-adhesion PSAs for protective films and tapes.

Dow Corning’s new Syl-Off emulsion coatings for non-stick packaging provide a tough, durable and water-repellent surface for food-grade release and packaging paper applications. The coatings offer flat, stable release profiles and fast cure at low platinum levels, which can equal manufacturing cost-savings. The coatings can be applied to a variety of laminate and label stocks.

New thermal-cure silicone Syl-Off emulsion coatings for films can help film coaters optimize their release performance, operate more profitably and reduce their reliance on solvent-based technology. These unique emulsions deliver low and stable release profiles that can add value to finished products. They also offer the potential for low coat weights and can be applied to PET either in-line or off-line.

With low and stable adhesion, optical transparency, and clean removal under challenging environmental and processing conditions, Dow Corning 7651 Adhesive and Dow Corning 7652 Adhesive support the creation of high-performance protective films for mobile device, touch-screen and flat-panel display applications. The adhesives also can be used to produce cost-saving, waste-reducing reworkable films and tapes.

Dow Corning brand hard-coating solutions give surface-protection films greater durability and hardness while maintaining high transmittance. Designed for use on PET films, these innovative solutions offer superior anti-graffiti performance and ink repellency, plus better grease-removal capability. Dow Corning hard coatings also provide superior water repellency and better mar resistance when compared to an acrylate coating on PET.

Dow Corning has a long history of market-driven innovation for the pressure sensitive industry. The company’s Syl-Off Advantage Series is an excellent example. More than 80 coaters in 25 countries have already benefited from the product line’s ability to enhance line speed, improve coating performance and help them protect themselves from unpredictable swings in platinum metal prices.

More information about Dow Corning’s extensive line of silicone products for pressure sensitive applications is available at dowcorning.com/psi.

Lean manufacturing: Gallus Smart Production Concept

Lean manufacturing with Six Sigma and pit stop strategies is becoming increasingly important in the label industry, as in many others. Although high printing quality remains critical, there is now also a greater emphasis on production efficiency as a means of ensuring perfect job processing without sacrificing profit margins, which are coming under growing pressure.

Identifying potential

Regardless of the printing method used, optimum printing quality is a must – and at the lowest possible cost. Regrettably, the full potential of flexographic printing is, in many cases, yet to be realised, even though many print shops could unlock massive potential for improving printing quality simply by implementing a few appropriate measures. Thanks to advances in press engineering and improvements in the quality of all auxiliary printing equipment and materials such as inks, anilox rollers, adhesive tape, printing plates and substrates, flexographic printers can now meet the very highest quality requirements – something that not all that long ago would have only been possible for offset and rotogravure printers.

This potential is not limited to printing quality, though. There is also scope for boosting production efficiency. Optimising production processes also cuts changeover times. Printing presses are an expensive investment and should therefore spend as much time as possible doing what they are intended to do, i.e. print. Setup times should be kept to a minimum. The same principles apply as in Formula 1 racing – a single second more or less at a pit stop can make the difference between winning and losing. Even if the race leader loses just two seconds during a pit stop, he will require an average of over three minutes on the track, driving flat out, to recoup this time. Changing jobs on a printing press is no different. Every minute lost has a negative impact on the end result.

Unlike in highly standardised printing processes – such as offset printing – there are no international standardisation guidelines available for flexographic printing. Despite this, efficiency in flexographic printing can be improved to a significant extent through correct handling and lean processes. The interplay between prepress and press and in particular between the equipment used (plates, plate substructures, anilox rollers, etc.) has a decisive impact on the result.

Gallus Smart Production Concept

Process standardisation with the Gallus Smart Production Concept can eliminate problems from the outset. This does require a certain amount of discipline, but once the in-house processes have been defined, compliance and implementation are easy. Analysing production and the associated processes highlights the possible potential. The focus must be on evaluating printing quality, studying production sequences and examining the production environment.

- Printing quality: Print results are analysed in detail for print errors and overall quality is rated. Consistency must also be ensured, i.e. the analysis examines how consistent the print quality remains over prolonged production periods and whether there is any room for improvement.

- Production sequences: The flow of information and materials in the production scenario is analysed and examined for any inefficiencies. The job changeover system also needs to be scrutinised. For example, simply analysing the routes walked by printing personnel can yield important results. In simple terms, this means working out the distance the printer walks each day away from the press. This clearly shows just how well the printer is “supported” at the press or whether he himself is responsible for procuring all the necessary printing items. Further decisive factors in the production workflow include the setup time required prior to the start of printing and the level of waste involved, which are both directly related to the degree of optimisation.

- Production environment: The production and press environment must be examined to ensure an optimum flow of materials. The work area on and around the press must be conducive to efficient working practices and the working environment around the press must be equipped with the necessary printing accessories to ensure minimum setup times.

Gallus expertise

Based on years of experience in performing print trainings worldwide and in the collaboration with the most successful labelprinters Gallus has identified the importance of lean manufacturing at an early stage. By assessing the process efficiency of the whole production environment with an expertise Gallus provides customers the best advice.

Gallus has developed expertise in identifying potential for improvement and devising appropriate solutions. Proposals are prepared based on interviews and observations and their subsequent presentation enables Gallus to prepare a customer-specific concept for boosting efficiency. 

The main aim of the Gallus Smart Production Concept is to cut job changeover times by as much as possible. This area offers enormous potential for savings. As the example from Formula 1 racing shows, even a small reduction in average setup times of around five minutes per job frees up enough capacity to handle several hundred more jobs each year. This in turn enables print shops to cut the time required for return on investment by up to two years.

Gallus has been performing such analyses for several years and the successes achieved prove that the approach of process standardisation with the Gallus Smart Production Concept is spot on. The Gallus service team has now been strengthened to satisfy the rising demand. Thanks to a unit created specifically for this task, Gallus can scrutinise its customers' label production processes and make the most of the available potential for improvement.

BST really has no competition in narrow web industry..

Tappan Patel is the managing director of BST Sayona Automations. The company with headquarters in Mumbai, specializes in automation control for printing, packaging and other industries. In a straight talk, Mr. Patel talks about the present situation in the Indian label industry, about emerging trends and the the trends driving the Indian labels market today.

Labels India: What has been the growth of the label industry in India? What areas have changed?

Tappan Patel: The growth of the Indian label industry should be between 17 to 20%. Technology up gradation to a large extent, Servo driven press and UV inks have become the norm these days.

Labels India: How pleased were you with your last Labelexpo India showing? What are your expectations this year?

Tappan Patel: Labelexpo India is still not the same as China or the US. We still need to go a long way. Though the growth is in double digits, the numbers of press sold in India is miniscule as compared to what is sold in China or Europe and hence not many companies are motivated enough to come with machines to India baring the big 4 or 5 giants in the industry.

Labels India: What products/ services are you displaying / launching this year?

Tappan Patel: BST Sayona is launching Q Centre, the most advanced quality assurance system in the world. We have also partnered a new Italian company Renova. We are introducing their products such as brakes, load cells and roll pusher.

Labels India: What are the trends driving the Indian labels market today?

Tappan Patel: Almost all reputed companies are trying to sell themselves off to European and American companies, hence the trend now is to show new technology, good customer base and sell the company at good margins.

Labels India: Which technology according to you will play an important role in label/package printing in future?

Tappan Patel: I expect Barry Landa’s nanography to play a very important role in the near future. Barry Landa NanoInk is comprised of pigment particles a fraction of the size of a human hair. Powerful absorbers of light, these tiny particles deliver high-quality images that are unusually resistant to abrasion. Using a water-based, energy-efficient and eco-friendly process, Nanographic machines print on any off-the-shelf material - from coated and uncoated paper to recycled cardboard; from newsprint to plastic packaging film - without pre-treatment or post-drying. They can print books, magazines, direct mail, labels, folding cartons and flexible packaging for food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and more.

These machines have a smaller footprint than other digital presses, and can print in up to eight colors. User-friendly touch-screens indicate how much ink is left, how much time remains to the job, and many other details at a glance. A single operator can manage up to four presses at a time.

“Nanography is a truly ground-breaking development,” For the first time, commercial printers don’t have to choose between the versatility and short-run economics of digital printing and the low cost-per-page and high productivity of offset or flexo printing. Now they can have both.”

Labels India: There is no such thing as NO competition! Who is the competition and what are they doing?

Tappan Patel: BST really has no competition in narrow web industry.

BST Sayona Automations Pvt. Ltd.
www.bstsayona.com

Gidue proudly pioneers the Digital Flexo technology

Nowadays, in the constantly demanding labels and packaging market, where customers persistently ask for the best quality, efficiency and profitability, Gidue has introduced a visionary concept for the flexographic printing: the Digital Flexo technology.

Everything started in 2005, when Gidue first industrialized the Print Tutor model, applied first to the mid-web and offset multi-process machines and then (March 2010) to the flexographic ones. From that starting point, the evolution went on with the Digital Flexo technology, introduced for the first time in September 2011, at the Label Expo Bruxelles. On that occasion, Gidue proposed a new vision for the labels and packaging industry, made of flexographic presses with fully automated print pressure and lateral and cross register. For the first time, in the narrow-web flexo industry, the press automatically runs the printing process, substituting the operator (also of the less technically skilled one) hands and eyes: HD digital cameras (Print Tutor™) set on each printing unit “read” and manage the print pressure, the colour density and the image register, servo-adjusting them, in order to achieve superior printing outcomes.

With the introduction of the Digital Flexo, the machine ensures higher printing quality and significant waste reduction (less than 20 meters for the 8 colours set up), since everything is digitalized; this allows the press operator to better focus on achieving the best outcomes, also during operational production phases (such as speed and roll changes).

Thus, a Digital Flexo press is also able to avoid mistakes in file management. With this absolutely innovative expertise, Gidue reconfirms its technological leadership in the flexographic scenario. Digital Flexo is the future for flexographic printing in the label and packaging industry, especially in terms of waste and production time reduction, providing incomparable and unprecedented quality standards.

Nuova Gidue is a manufacturer of printing and converting machines, providing exclusive technology for the Label and Packaging industry. Most technologies are developed by Nuova Gidue in cooperation with the end-users to manufacture original solutions for long-term profitability and innovation. Since 1999 Gidue has provided the Label and Packaging industry with innovative solutions that have set new standards in productivity.

Nuova Gidue‘s product range includes solutions for the label industry such as combination presses and finishing solutions for Offset, Flexo, Gravure, Screen, Digital, Hot Stamping, Cold Foil, Embossing, Label and Carton Die-Cutting, Sheeting, Perforation and others. Most of the processes are interchangeable. For the flexible packaging industry Nuova Gidue offers substrate solutions such as  aluminium foil for yoghurt lids, laminated tubes for tooth paste and cosmetics, sausage skins, shrinkable sleeves, ROSO, wrap-around, stand-up pouches, IML, PE 20 M PET 12 M, PA, PVC, BOPP, aluminium foil 12 m etc. Lamination solutions complete the product range with in-line solventless, hot-melt, pre-adhesive lamination.

Reifenhauser (India) Marketing Ltd.

www.gidue.com / www.reifenhauserindia.com

Many new products and innovations at Labelexpo India 2012 for the very first time

Labelexpo India 2012 will have many new products and innovations being shown for the very first time. Here are just a few of the products being unveiled at this year's show.

ChemInstruments displays test instruments

ChemInstruments Inc (stall J16) will display its family of test instruments at Labelexpo India 2012. It has long been recognized internationally for providing a broad range of instruments to develop, sample and test self-adhesive materials properties including peel adhesion, adhesive tack, shear and release. Test equipment that will be featured will include the AR-1000 adhesion/release tester, LT-1000 loop tack tester, and EC-200 drawdown coater. It will also feature its EZ Lab 3.0 system, a complete test and data management program that can be used to control most of its test instruments using either a PC or laptop computer. The program allows the user to specify and control testing parameters, manage, analyze and graph test data and results, and store or export the data for future use.

Durst presents new Tau 330

Durst (stall H1) will be launching the new Tau 330 and exhibiting along with its Indian agent, Reifenhauser (India) Marketing Ltd. The Tau 330 features a print width of 330 mm and a printing speed of max. 48 linear meter (157 lin. Ft) per minute, reaching thereby an industry-leading hourly production capacity of 950 m². Its standard color configuration CMYK can be completed with optional white and two optional process colors orange and violet (available late 2012), essential for label applications that require precise pantone color matching. Furthermore, the standard configuration also includes industry-leading RIP software with built-in substrate management and color management. Tau 330 is available in 2 print widths: Tau 330 with print width up to 330 mm and the more economic version Tau 330/200 with print width up to 200 mm.

First time in India for Omet XFlex X4

Omet (stall C20) will be showing the XFlex X4 for the first time at Labelexpo India 2012. The press on display in New Delhi is an 8-colour machine 370 mm with corona treatment, delam/relam, web turn bar, cold foil, double die-cutting unit and Vision-1 register system. The machine will show a changeover from PS labels to shrink labels printed on PVC material. Any printer using the new XFlex X4 will be able to obtain higher quality and superior production performance than any of their competitors. The new X4 has been designed and built with one aim: to make it easier for the operator to produce top quality work on all kinds of material, and involving great savings of time and material.

Teslin features Lumit digital paper

The Teslin substrate products group of PPG Industries (stall G5) will be featuring its Lumit digital paper at Labelexpo India 2012. Lumit digital paper is a coated polyester film resistant to heat, ultraviolet (UV) light, water, chemicals and tearing. Optimized for high-heat, dry-toner laser-print applications, the brilliant white substrate enables vivid color and precise print reproduction as well as optimized toner fusion that bonds images to the digital paper surface for long-term color retention. Because of its color fidelity, stiffness and durability, Lumit digital paper is ideal for indoor and outdoor print applications such as shelf strips and cooler-door labels in retail and grocery stores; plant tags, stakes and wraps in garden and nursery shops; and access-control wristbands for hospitals, water parks and amusement parks.

Vetaphone demonstrates Corona treatment equipment

Vetaphone (stall B45), the Danish inventor and manufacturer of equipment for Corona treatment will display the popular VE1A Corona treater station for narrow web at Labelexpo India. The compact VE1A corona treater is available for both single and double-sided treatment. It is a user-friendly solution that guarantees high, uniform treatment levels on both conductive and non-conductive substrates. Equipped with the patented Quick Change System it also secures minimal downtime, reduced maintenance costs and increased productivity. The VE1A corona treater station can be combined with the new iCorona intelligent generator series. The iCorona series has a modular design and is upgradeable.

Royal Coat to highlight Zecher’s Pyramid at Labelexpo India

Mumbai-based Royal Coat, the Indian distributor for Zecher anilox rollers, will highlight the Pyramid which was launched at Drupa. According to Sunil Talpade, MD-Royal Coat, “Zecher has analysed the wide band of printing requirements according to the anilox specification palette. To give a purposeful orientation and possibilities for the standardisation within the variety in requirements, we will present for the first time a specification pyramid for the Indian market."

The single segment of the pyramid enables the printer to structure their requirement profile in the pressroom clearly. This specification list pressed in the unique form of a Pyramid was born out of the close partnership between flexo suppliers and flexo printers and is a result of hundreds of printing tests that have been done during the last two years. It contains specifications which have proven perfect results throughout its use in hundreds of printing houses around the world and latest developments used to print high resolution flexo.

The wide range of 15 different screens can be used in label as well as wide web flexo and also can be used with solvent, water and UV-based inks. The objective of the Pyramid is the reduction of press down time and waste production whereas increasing the printing quality at the same time. This goal can only be reached by working close together and placing all the important parameters on a round table.

AVT to present a full range of solutions including many new products at LabelExpo India

Advanced Vision Technology (AVT), the world leader in print process control, quality assurance and color control for the label, packaging, folding cartons and commercial print markets, is presenting their complement of quality and process control solutions for the label printing and rewinding market at LabelExpo India October 29th through November 1th, 2012 in  Booth No. H1.

Commenting on the show, Aviram Vardi, Marketing Manager at AVT said: "Visiting the AVT at Label Expo this year is an absolute must. We are demonstrating many of our solutions, that were presented for the first time at LabelExpo Americas 2012 with great success and our collection of label solutions offers something important for virtually every printer and application."

Latest generation solutions will include:

PrintVision/Helios II: This industry leading 100% inspection technology is designed to meet the requirements of any label and narrow web application. It is a sophisticated solution capable of inspecting all print technologies both on press and on rewinder and has many additional tools and modules.

RLM (Repeat Length Measurement): RLM is a new addition to Helios II, enabling the monitoring of repeat length and providing alerts for any deviation.

Zero Setup: Answering the market needs for inspection on shorter runs and digital printing presses, AVT presents it's "zero setup" ability and advanced automation.

Workflow Link: A well-established WorkFlow Link solution using the information from the inspection on the press to automatically stop the rewinder.

ProMIS: ProMIS sends the relevant information from MIS systems directly into the Helios II inspection system shortening setup and preventing mistakes.

Other solutions at the show will include JobRef - Job verification using the original PDF file, Barcodes and Variable data verification, and iDeal - DeltaEcolor measurement.

AVT has a large installed base within the packaging market, and is seeing growing demand for inspection solutions on both traditional and digital presses. It was announced recently that AVT was selected to join the HP Partner Program for the Indigo division.

The world leader in print process control, quality assurance and color control for the packaging, labels, folding cartons, metal decoration and commercial print markets, AVT's products are sold to leading printing press suppliers, packaging, labels, and specialty printers in the web printing markets, worldwide. Represented in India by Reifenhauser (India) Marketing Ltd., today, more than 3,000 PrintVision systems for automatic inspection of packaging and labels converting are installed worldwide. Furthermore, as a premier supplier in the commercial sector, there are over 900 of AVT's ColorQuick/Clarios closed loop color control systems installed around the world, along with over 3,300 installations of MicroColor/Mercury color management and reporting software and remote digital ink control systems.

Reifenhauser (India) Marketing Ltd.

www.reifenhauserindia.com

Join Tresu at Capital Graphics Stand K18 at Labelexpo India

Tresu Group, a global supplier of flexo presses and ancillaries for the flexo and offset printing market, are all set to show developments in its chamber doctor blade systems for narrow- and mid-web at LabelExpo India on the stand of its recently appointed agency, Capital Graphic Supplies (New Delhi), stand K18.

Constantly working with leading flexo and offset press manufacturers and specifically major narrow-web manufacturers on chamber solutions, to develop adapted versions which seamlessly fit into the any press design, Tresu’s FlexiPrint reservoir chamber doctor blade system will be displayed at the show catering to narrow-web water-flexo and UV-flexo presses. This will be the latest generation of chamber doctor blade systems for narrow- and mid-web printing and coating situations that offer assurance of consistent, even ink  / coating coverage at high speeds, improved yields and longer life. It eliminates splashing, requires no ink pump and facilitates fast, effortless changeover. Also on display will be their FlexiPrint IMW chamber doctor blade system E-Line, for water, UV and solvent based inks and mid-web flexo coating. A highlight of the system is Tresu's pressure control technology, eliminating micro-foaming, and Tresu Next Generation Seals. The patented rubber Seal System forms a perfect, airtight closure, eliminating leakage at top speeds. This unique technology maintains a constant barrier between the chamber doctor blade and the rotating open anilox cells, preventing air-bubbles from entering the ink chamber. This also enables leftover ink to be stored for long periods, without evaporation or deterioration in quality.

The collaboration with Capital Graphic Supplies gives India’s label and packaging converters a direct, accredited source of precision-engineered, high-performance ancillary products, and local access to expertise and support.

Throughout Labelexpo India, there will be opportunities to interview Henrik Kristensen, sales director, Tresu Ancillary.

Capital Graphic Supplies

www.cgsasp.com

Dahlstrom Display becomes World’s first certified Color-Logic screen printer

Dahlstrom Display - a diversified graphics source providing large format silkscreen and digital printing, retail merchandising, installations, fulfillment, distribution and warehousing - is the first screen printer to gain Color-Logic certification.  Dahlstrom is located in suburban Chicago, Illinois. Announcing the qualification, Color-Logic Director of Sales and Marketing Mark Geeves commented: “As the first screen printer to meet the Color-Logic criteria for printer certification, Dahlstrom Display makes another print medium available to print buyers, brand managers, and graphic designers. To qualify for Color-Logic certification, printers must produce test forms using the Color-Logic process and submit them to our team for verification that they were produced within the required Color-Logic tolerances, as well as visual integrity.  The standards for Color-Logic certification are quite stringent, thus print buyers, brand managers, and graphic designers seeking a printer to print Color-Logic files can rest assured that certified Color-Logic providers are experienced and qualified to print even the most difficult images and designs.”

Also commenting on the certification was Ross Iazzetto, Dahlstrom Display President and Chief Idea Officer: “Dahlstrom Display is proud of what we’ve achieved with our Color-Logic certification, and pleased to be the first screen printer in the world to achieve this qualification.  Our display and print customers are already benefitting from this dramatic new method of reliably producing metallic images and designs with color quality consistency.”

Color-Logic develops color communication systems and software tool sets for a variety of special effect printing applications. Color-Logic provides brand owners, product managers, corporations, and their advertising agencies the ability to differentiate themselves and their clients with a simple print production process that yields dramatic results.  Color-Logic decorative effects utilize the existing workflows of printers and designers, yielding dynamic results without the use of special equipment. Color-Logic supports the value of print and works with designers and printers to enhance their printed media.  

Color-Logic

www.color-logic.com

Gidue to unveil new Combat M1 at LabelExpo India 2012

Nuova Gidue S.r.l. (stall H9), a manufacturer of printing and converting machines for the labels and packaging industry, will introduce the new Combat M1 at Labelexpo India 2012. It will showcase a M1 370 mm, the perfect solution for the self-adhesive labels market. Coming from the proven and well-consolidated S-Combat know-how (1999), the M1 is today one of the most simple, innovative and efficient presses proposed for the self-adhesive labels market. M1’ is synonym of quality: indeed, it guarantees an accurate print register during the manufacturing processes and during the years. Extremely robust and reliable, this press requires almost no maintenance, delivering excellent print quality standards.

Furthermore, flexibility is the main feature of the M1: fully customizable, the M1 press offers a complete list of advanced accessories, so that its range of technical solutions and applications is definitely wide: silk screen, cold foil, hot stamping, automatic register control, chilled drums, 3 diecutting servo driven units, servo driven outfeed, full colour touch screen independent panels for each print unit (to have access to every individual operation), PC controlled main operating panel, Internet 24 hours/7 days connectivity for help-on-line service.

In addition, the M1plus, an upgrade of the same model, allows converters to have access not only to the labelling market, but also to the flexible packaging one.  This definitely represents a significant benefit for this press. The M1 and the M1plus are able to respond to the most demanding requirements coming from the labelling market, assuring top quality solutions.

Gidue trusts that the LabelExpo India 2012 audience will appreciate the new Combat M1, a breakthrough for the self-adhesive labels market. Constantly investing in highly advanced manufacturing systems to ensure the best quality throughout all production steps, once again Gidue vision and philosophy are the most suitable answer to the labelling and packaging needs.

Gidue will also introduce the new Gidue India Service Point operated by Reifenhauser (India) Marketing Ltd., the exclusive distributor for Gidue technologies.

Nuova Gidue is a manufacturer of printing and converting machines, providing exclusive technology for the Label and Packaging industry. Most technologies are developed by Nuova Gidue in cooperation with the end-users to manufacture original solutions for long-term profitability and innovation. Since 1999 Gidue has provided the Label and Packaging industry with innovative solutions that have set new standards in productivity.

Nuova Gidue‘s product range includes solutions for the label industry such as combination presses and finishing solutions for Offset, Flexo, Gravure, Screen, Digital, Hot Stamping, Cold Foil, Embossing, Label and Carton Die-Cutting, Sheeting, Perforation and others. Most of the processes are interchangeable. For the flexible packaging industry Nuova Gidue offers substrate solutions such as  aluminium foil for yoghurt lids, laminated tubes for tooth paste and cosmetics, sausage skins, shrinkable sleeves, ROSO, wrap-around, stand-up pouches, IML, PE 20 M PET 12 M, PA, PVC, BOPP, aluminium foil 12 m etc. Lamination solutions complete the product range with in-line solventless, hot-melt, pre-adhesive lamination.

Reifenhauser (India) Marketing Ltd.

www.reifenhauserindia.com

Advertise in the Labelexpo India Special Issue

LAST FEW AD SPACE LEFT!!
To Advertise in the Labelexpo India Special Issue

call on Gargi Bhattacharya

on 0-8921968597 / 9029376728

or email at
labels.ind@gmail.com
Confirm before 18th October to avail 

Booklet labels for single-service fresh food prepacks: A fruitful solution

The label on perishable food pre-packs may be extremely transient but, despite its short life, it is still required to perform the key roles of providing both decoration for retail shelf ‘stand out’, as well as a considerable amount of product data. Achieving these twin goals can be challenging on small containers - but Harmony Fruit and Yoghurt Desserts, developed by leading quality Swiss bakery and foods manufacturers Jowa AG for major Swiss retail chain Migros, certainly prove that it can be done.

The challenge

Harmony Fruit and Yoghurt Desserts are premium-quality, single-service fresh products, with a shelf life of just four days, packed in clear lidded PET pyramidical containers. They are offered in combinations featuring four fresh fruits – apricot, pineapple, strawberry and raspberry - and provide a delicious and healthy end to a meal. On the retail shelf, for such products, the consumer needs to be able to view the contents; to verify – via the label – the flavour offered; and read all the associated data - nutritional information, ingredients, weight, and sell-by date, etc. Space, however, is limited on the small, unusually-shaped Harmony containers.

A creative answer

Jowa’s Head of Packaging Development, Christian Pfeiffer, knew he needed a special labelling solution, and challenged specialist label printer Pago AG to deliver the answer. Pago is a regular label print partner of Jowa, and has a particular expertise in the production of self-adhesive leaflet/booklet labels. Says Fredy Schöb, Pago sales manager: ‘Our long experience with complex label shapes combined with booklet content really helped us to develop a label for the Harmony desserts that delivered all the content elements our client required and, at the same time, looked attractive and clearly identified the flavour in the pot. As a bonus, because the label also seals the pack lid - it additionally performs a valuable overt tamper-evident function.’

Using a 60 micron gloss white self-adhesive PP film as the base carrier for the FSC paper booklet, Pago prints the labels – incorporating three double-sided pages -- by rotary letterpress in six colours using low-migration inks, providing a double-perforated tear-off section as part of the construction.Label content is printed in three languages – French, German, and Italian. With the needs of plastics recycling in mind, the self-adhesive label laminate also features a removable adhesive. Printed in typical runs of 50,000 labels per flavour, the Harmony labels are hand-applied by Jowa staff as an integral part of their production and packaging process.

‘Real food appeal’

Christian Pfeiffer of Jowa is delighted with the end result. ‘The labels have real food appeal’, he says, ‘and for the consumer it’s easy to choose the preferred flavour, thanks to the colourful picture of the different fruits. We chose Pago to print them because it has a very good development department, and first-class printing equipment.’

Award-winning labels

The sets of labels for Harmony Fruit and Yoghurt Desserts were also recently recognised by Finat, the European self-adhesive label industry association, in their annual Label Awards competition, where Pago was this year awarded the top prize in the marketing and end-use category for booklet labels. Kurt Walker, President of FINAT, comments: ‘Accommodating the increasing raft of textual content required by law on a food label has meant that label printers today need to be ever more creative. Pago has ably demonstrated that self-adhesive booklet labels can represent an attractive and practical solution.’

Finat, founded in Paris in 1958, with headquarters in The Hague (The Netherlands), is the worldwide association for manufacturers of self-adhesive labels and related products and services. With 600 members in over 50 countries around the world, Finat has much to offer to label converters and all suppliers to the labeling industry in terms of information exchange and the opportunity to network internationally.

Jules Lejeune - FINAT

www.finat.com

Multitec to highlight new Ecoflex VSi press at Labelexpo India 2012

Multitec (stall C18) will be displaying two running presses at Labelexpo India 2012 - the first being the ever popular Ecoflex and the second being the newly launched - Ecoflex VSi in a 6-colour all UV configuration. Aimed at printers who want to print and convert flexible packaging in addition to pressure sensitive labels, the Ecoflex VSi press is an all UV configuration press. The new version of the press is capable enough to meet the increasing demand of variety of work. With a host of new features, the Ecoflex VSi has been designed keeping in mind the operator and the target of achieving minimum set-up time between jobs.

The Ecoflex has been hugely successful ever since it was launched at Labelexpo India four years ago and with more than 46 presses sold maintaining an impressive sales track record of almost a press a month. The Faridabad-based narrow web flexo printing presses’ manufacturer, Multitec is further targeting a sale of more than 20 presses this year.

" Proved to be highly successful, the key advancement in the press is the short time required to setup a print unit as the press is based on a principle of quick-change plate cylinders and no change in settings is required between one repeat print and the next," says Amit Ahuja, director, Multitec Aids,

The new design ensures quick job change, extremely fast setup time, very low material and ink wastage and showcases its brilliantly designed ergonomics. Added options like ink chambers, movable rail system for hosting cold foil and turnbar make this press truly versatile. The press features large circumference chilled impression rollers with UV and an extremely short web path of 1.1 meters between print units for printing flexible packaging along with pressure sensitive stock. The Ecoflex VSi is also equipped with servo in-feed and servo tension control for superior print registration, short web path for lower wastage, and a rail system to mount accessories like cold foil, turnbar and others.

Multitec is a leading Indian company providing printing & converting solutions in the mid-web and narrow-web range. With quality accredited design and manufacturing facilities, Multitec offers a wide range of narrow web flexographic presses, variable cut-off offset presses, sheeters, slitter rewinders and baling presses.

"Profitable Solutions" is our long-term focus for our customers worldwide. Our aim is to utilize our innovative design skills along with leveraging on the knowledge of the markets and our customer's business needs, to create solutions and products that add value and are in-turn profitable,” concluded Amit Ahuja.

Multitec Aids

www.multitec.in

Gidue to unveil new Combat M1 at LabelExpo India 2012

Nuova Gidue S.r.l. (stall H9), a manufacturer of printing and converting machines for the labels and packaging industry, will introduce the new Combat M1 at Labelexpo India 2012. It will showcase a M1 370 mm, the perfect solution for the self-adhesive labels market. Coming from the proven and well-consolidated S-Combat know-how (1999), the M1 is today one of the most simple, innovative and efficient presses proposed for the self-adhesive labels market. M1’ is synonym of quality: indeed, it guarantees an accurate print register during the manufacturing processes and during the years. Extremely robust and reliable, this press requires almost no maintenance, delivering excellent print quality standards.

Furthermore, flexibility is the main feature of the M1: fully customizable, the M1 press offers a complete list of advanced accessories, so that its range of technical solutions and applications is definitely wide: silk screen, cold foil, hot stamping, automatic register control, chilled drums, 3 diecutting servo driven units, servo driven outfeed, full colour touch screen independent panels for each print unit (to have access to every individual operation), PC controlled main operating panel, Internet 24 hours/7 days connectivity for help-on-line service.

In addition, the M1plus, an upgrade of the same model, allows converters to have access not only to the labelling market, but also to the flexible packaging one.  This definitely represents a significant benefit for this press. The M1 and the M1plus are able to respond to the most demanding requirements coming from the labelling market, assuring top quality solutions.

Gidue trusts that the LabelExpo India 2012 audience will appreciate the new Combat M1, a breakthrough for the self-adhesive labels market. Constantly investing in highly advanced manufacturing systems to ensure the best quality throughout all production steps, once again Gidue vision and philosophy are the most suitable answer to the labelling and packaging needs.

Nuova Gidue is a manufacturer of printing and converting machines, providing exclusive technology for the Label and Packaging industry. Most technologies are developed by Nuova Gidue in cooperation with the end-users to manufacture original solutions for long-term profitability and innovation. Since 1999 Gidue has provided the Label and Packaging industry with innovative solutions that have set new standards in productivity.

Nuova Gidue‘s product range includes solutions for the label industry such as combination presses and finishing solutions for Offset, Flexo, Gravure, Screen, Digital, Hot Stamping, Cold Foil, Embossing, Label and Carton Die-Cutting, Sheeting, Perforation and others. Most of the processes are interchangeable. For the flexible packaging industry Nuova Gidue offers substrate solutions such as  aluminium foil for yoghurt lids, laminated tubes for tooth paste and cosmetics, sausage skins, shrinkable sleeves, ROSO, wrap-around, stand-up pouches, IML, PE 20 M PET 12 M, PA, PVC, BOPP, aluminium foil 12 m etc. Lamination solutions complete the product range with in-line solventless, hot-melt, pre-adhesive lamination.

Gidue will also introduce the new Gidue India Service Point operated by Reifenhauser (India) Marketing Ltd., the exclusive distributor for Gidue technologies.

Labelexpo India is South Asia’s largest label, product decoration, package printing and converting industry expo...

In a run up to the  Labelexpo India show happening at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from October 29th to November 1st,  we at Labels India are bringing to you a series of interviews with various personalities. In the start up to this series, we have brought to you a first hand account of what converters can expect to see at the show by none other than Roger Pellow, the MD of Tarsus - the organisers of Labelexpo India. Here is a short tete..

Labels India: How pleased were you with your last Labelexpo India showing? What are your expectations this year?

Roger Pellow: Labelexpo India 2010 was a fantastic success with 150 exhibitors and 6,054 visitors in attendance - a figure that was up by 27% from the show in 2008. We’re hoping to surpass that this year with over 200 local and international companies exhibiting and a target of 7,000 visitors. As with all of the other recent Labelexpo events – Europe, Asia and Americas - we’re seeing record breaking attendances and many new suppliers signing up for the first time as exhibitors in new territories.

Labels India: How is this show different from the others?

Roger Pellow: Labelexpo India 2012 is different from other trade shows for several reasons. Firstly this is a fast growing market sector in a fast moving economy. Secondly, the show is interactive for show visitors as they buy and network. 

          The event is all about the show floor and allowing visitors to get close up to the newest machinery, ancillaries, inks and substrates. With over 20 live working presses being demonstrated at the show by companies including Gallus and Mimaki, attendees are strongly placed to make well- informed choices. Being able to see firsthand the many features these presses offer such as quick change over time, rapid tension control and resulting print quality will be invaluable when it comes to those show visitors making purchasing decisions.

            Also the support of the LMAI, AIFMP, Delhi Printers’ Association and HOMAI really underlines how the show is the country’s main opportunity to showcase the latest in state of the art printing technology while keeping Indian printers abreast of changing trends – both at a local and global level.

Labels India: With more than 200 exhibitors this year, how has this show grown over the years?

Roger Pellow: Since we purchased the show in 2007, Labelexpo India has fast become South Asia’s largest label, product decoration, package printing and converting industry expo. Starting with a little over 5,000 visitors, the show has gained momentum each year and now with the sixth edition set to take place it will be the largest show in its 10 year history.

Labels India: Apart from established market leaders, there are many first time exhibitors. Comment.

Roger Pellow: As with our other Labelexpo events we are experiencing an influx of new exhibitors. Following Labelexpo Asia 2011 a number of Chinese manufacturers started to look at opportunities outside of the domestic Chinese market and take space at our other international shows. For Labelexpo India 2012, we have new exhibitors from all over the world including China, the Middle East and Brazil. New exhibitors include: Anoop Plastic, Color-Dec, Fujifilm Sericol, Heraeus Amba, Jung Chang Machinery, Mastercorp, Mimaki, Rheintacho, Taghleef Industries and Webtech.

Labels India: More products, more launches and more live demonstrations is the theme this year. 
Roger Pellow: As ever, Labelexpo India 2012 is the place to see the latest product launches and technology in action. Time spent at the show needs to be maximized, so it is vital that printers use the opportunity to compare the various printing presses and technologies that are being demonstrated. With all the key suppliers under one roof, Labelexpo India offers unparalleled access not only to the equipment, but to experts who will be able to advise on how individual printers can improve their own efficiency and margins. 

Labels India: What new products, technologies and services, are on display at Labelexpo India?

Roger Pellow: There will be a number of press launches including new machines from Durst, EFI Jetrion, Mimaki, Monotech, Nuova Gidue, Omet, Primera and Webtech. Lots of new materials are also being showcased for the first time including new inks from Fujifilm Sericol, adhesives from Jesons, foils from Univacco and tamper evident security labels from Weldon Celloplast

Labels India: How will this show help Label and package printers looking to diversify and add value to their operations?

Roger Pellow: Attending the show will enable converters to see a wide selection of technologies in action. It will also allow them to examine and understand how presses can be configured with different processes such as embossing, over-laminating, foiling and how effective inspection systems can be. More importantly, show visitors will be able to see machines that are capable of printing on other materials and converters should not ignore how they can diversify their business beyond the label by easily moving into package printing e.g. folding cartons and flexible packaging.

Labels India: And finally, how do you feel Labelexpo India is positioned going forward?

Roger Pellow: As one of world’s most vibrant and exciting market places, the future is very bright for Labelexpo India. As the show continues to grow in size and footfall, visitors can be assured that they will continue to see the latest innovations in label and package printing under one roof. As with our other Labelexpo events which are held in other parts of the world, the shows are designed to remain central and key to ensuring the printer stays in control of their business and profit margins. 

For a detailed interview, please read the Labelexpo Special Issue of our magazine LABELS INDIA...