Roland DGA Corp has introduced the 54” VersaUV LEC-540 UV-LED wide-format inkjet printer cutter.
Based on the company’s VersaUV technology, the LEC-540 prints CMYK, white and clear and contour cuts ‘virtually any’ substrate up to 1mm (0.04”) thick.
‘The LEC-540 is based on low-cost VersaUV technology that has revolutionized the packaging prototype and short run label industries,’ said Hiroshi Ono, product manager for Roland DGA Corp. ‘With the new LEC-540, professionals can print, contour cut, crease and perforate graphics all on one device. The LEC-540 prints on an unprecedented range of materials including popular large-format media. New built-in front and back tables facilitate the handling of rigid substrates for folding cartons and other packaging prototypes.’
The new LEC-540 is the third model in Roland’s VersaUV series. It is faster than previous VersaUV models and is said to offer greater versatility for applications ranging from packaging prototypes, short-run labels and membrane panels to interior décor items, point of purchase (POP) displays and large-format window graphics.
The LEC-540 prints on a wide variety of flexible and rigid media, including synthetic paper, polyester film, paper and vinyl banner media, PET, leather, plastic, polycarbonates and paper boards. In high quality mode, the LEC-540 prints 25 percent faster than the 30” LEC-330 due to new larger UV-LED lamps that expedite production. LEC-540 lamps automatically reposition themselves for high-speed performance and the highest image quality in all print modes. The LEC-540 also offers high-quality artistic print mode (1440 x 1440 dpi) for images that the company says rival offset and gravure print quality.
The LEC-540 is offered in three ink configurations: the standard CMYK + white + clear configuration, CMYK + white + white for high-opacity white printing on transparent films, and CMYK + clear + clear for thick dimensional effects such as embossing. Clear ink can be layered into both gloss and matte finishes including 72 ready-to-apply patterns from the Roland Texture Library included in Roland’s VersaWorks RIP software.
Users of the LEC-540 can also take advantage of the Roland OnSupport system which allows remote monitoring of production activities. When a job is completed or ink runs low, the printer will automatically send an email notification to a smart phone or computer. Unattended operation and easy maintenance are further ensured by an automated white ink circulation system that prevents pigments in the ink from settling, minimizes waste and ensures continuous uninterrupted printing. The LEC-540 is Roland Eco Label and Energy Star certified.
The VersaUV series also includes the 30” LEC-330 and 30” LEC-300A. VersaUV was introduced in 2008 has been recognized with DPI and EDP awards for innovation.
Click here for more stories about Roland DGA Corp on L&L.com.
UPM Raflatac has been working with HP to offer a product portfolio suitable for use with the HP Indigo WS6000 digital press. To that end, the company is introducing a renewed digital product range for the
UPM Raflatac’s roll-to-roll digital labelstocks have a proprietary top-coat, providing excellent liquid ink anchorage and a long shelf life for lasting printability, and they are engineered to deliver optimal color saturation and crisp resolution. The entire range is offered trimless at 5,000 feet with a minimum of 13 inches, reducing waste and increasing converter productivity.
‘UPM Raflatac’s renewed digital product range is proof that we’re dedicated to helping companies succeed with digital printing,’ said Patrick Goss, prime business director, UPM Raflatac,
Click here for more stories about UPM Raflatac on L&L.com.
Meech has launched the 977HL
‘Eliminating sparks caused by the build up of static is vital in processes where chemicals such as solvents are used,’ said international product manager David Rogers. ‘There is a risk that the vapors produced could be ignited. A significant proportion of fires and explosions encountered across various industries are the result of a spark created by static.
‘In these hazardous areas of production,
The new 977HL controller provides accurate monitoring of the performance of the bars, alerting the operator immediately, via local audible and visible warnings and remote alarm signals, when bars need to be cleaned. The performance level at which an alarm is activated can be set by the customer to suit individual requirements.
The 977HL controller is situated in a safe area, connected to the ionizing bars in the hazardous area. Bars become contaminated at varying rates depending upon the process and equipment.
‘One of the huge benefits of the new 977HL is that it incorporates a true closed loop facility, which has the ability to automatically alter the balance of negative and positive ions being discharged by the bars, depending upon the levels monitored continuously in the material by a special sensor,’ said David Rogers.
‘Companies need to look closely at manufacturers’ claims of “closed loop” facilities because normally the material is measured only where the ionizing bar is positioned, which is simply not effective. By accurately monitoring the static levels a short distance beyond the bar, the 977HL can alter the negative/positive balance of the bar to ensure that the stock is neutral. This figure will almost certainly change throughout the day, depending on the stock, running speed or the ambient conditions.’
The closed loop facility means that current information relating to the residual electrostatic charge in the material being handled is always available on the LCD display. This data can be transmitted to allow remote monitoring and logging for quality assurance purposes. The keypad on the front of the unit enables the 977HL to be set up to suit the specifics of the application. These settings can be protected from unauthorized or accidental alteration by enabling a lock function.
Click here for more stories about Meech on L&L.com.
Tresu, a manufacturer of customized flexo printing machines and ancillaries, has partnered with Matik in order to strengthen its presence in the North American market.
The agreement covers Tresu’s product range of mid to wide web in-line flexo printing machines and stack printing machines which are used in folding carton, scratch-off tickets, liners for corrugated and flexible packaging. Also included in the agreement are retrofit installations of flexo printing units for upgrading of existing systems. The agreement covers the eastern part of North America (east of
Allan Sander, sales director at Tresu Converting, said: ‘Tresu Group is experiencing a rapid growth in all business segments and we are expanding our activities accordingly. Our range of flexo in-line printing machines is a focus area for us, and we wish to strengthen our position on the North American market. The partnership with Matik will help us pursue this strategy.’
Chris Davis, vice president sales at Matik, said: ‘Tresu has a real depth of expertise in flexo printing, adding value and streamlining production with a real talent for building customized solutions. There are several satisfied American customers running these presses and we look forward to bringing the new presses to market and showing the real value added features of the Tresu line.’
Tresu will be present at Labelexpo Americas on booth 3108.
Click here for more stories about Matik on L&L.com.
Sun Chemical has named Charles Murray as president of North American inks. In this role,
‘Charles is very familiar with the issues and challenges currently impacting Sun Chemical’s customers in North America, because those same trends are facing our customers in
For at least five consecutive years,
Prior to joining Sun Chemical in 1998,
‘Brian has made countless contributions to Sun Chemical, and we are grateful for his time with us. We wish him well in his next endeavors,’ Lenz said.
Click here for more stories about Sun Chemical on L&L.com.
GMG, a developer of color management software, has announced that Micha Moses has taken up his duties as vice president, strategic alliances with immediate effect. Moses will be responsible for strengthening and expanding the company’s strategic partnerships with the main global players of the graphic arts industry and other potential partners.
Previously, Micha Moses held a variety of management positions in sales and OEM business development. During more than ten years at Adobe Systems, he started the OEM PostScript Licensing business in Europe and later took responsibility for this business activity in the
‘With about 20 years of management experience in the graphic arts industry, Micha Moses is familiar with the specific characteristics and challenges of its markets,’ said Paul Willems, CEO of GMG. ‘As a strategically thinking executive, he will certainly help us to further develop our numerous global partnerships with leading industry suppliers in terms of new technologies, sales channels and co-marketing activities.’
‘GMG is growing steadily and has already built up an excellent reputation in the market and with leading manufacturers as all-round color management specialist. Our aim and my personal challenge is to consolidate and expand GMG’s position as the world’s leading color management solutions provider for practically every application area,’ said Micha Moses.
Click here for more stories about GMG on L&L.com.
GEW has developed the VCP step and repeat UV system for web-fed screen printing, aimed at allowing optimized UV curing of inks and coatings on flat bed, intermittent screen presses.
Step and repeat screen printing presents unique demands on the UV curing process due to the heavy ink lay-down and high opacity inks used. The VCP system address issues such as heat management and over curing on short repeat lengths. The system is driven by GEW’s e-brick power supplies, giving users an environmentally friendly system with reduced carbon emissions.
The VCP step and repeat UV curing system reportedly reduces power consumption by 30 percent, due to its efficient and compact electronic power supply, and offers high intensity cool UV output from a specially designed cold reflector system. A quartz window is used to further reduce web temperature and this can be quickly removed for inspection, cleaning or replacement. Variable, step-less power control, together with an adjustable curing aperture, eliminates over or under curing on any repeat length and a quick-release cassette assembly is provided to enable fast lamp changes and easy access to the reflector assembly for maintenance. The system is supplied ready for use with the GEW handheld UV radiometer for optimum UV process control.
Click here for more stories about GEW on L&L.com.
HID Global and UPM Raflatac have partnered to allow the Finnish labelstock and RFID inlay manufacturer to incorporate HID Global’s tamperproof and secure RFID sealing label technology and IP into its contactless product family. UPM Raflatac is the first company to offer HID’s secure RFID sealing product worldwide.
‘UPM Raflatac has pioneered the RFID retail and logistics market during the last ten years and has achieved a leading market position,’ said Samuli Strömberg, vice president of marketing, RFID, at UPM Raflatac. ‘The worldwide licensing agreement with HID Global solidifies our commitment to offering world-class secure sealing solutions.’
‘HID Global's intellectual property portfolio continues to grow due to an increased emphasis on protecting our innovation as well as a number of mergers and acquisitions,’ said Dr Tam Hulusi, senior vice president, strategic innovation and intellectual property at HID Global. ‘As part of our Genuine HID mission to continually create and enhance customer value, HID extends technology licensing opportunities to a select group of partners to assist them in meeting and exceeding their customers' evolving requirements.’
For HID Global, the licensing agreement is part of its ongoing patent portfolio licensing and Genuine HID initiatives. In the first phase of the agreement, UPM Raflatac will incorporate the licensed technology into tamperproof RFID sealing tags for liquid containers. The RFID tags will be used to ensure the integrity and origin of the liquid in the container. These tags help prevent and identify the tampering and unauthorized refilling of containers by indicating when a container is opened or when attempts are made to remove the tag. In the second phase of the agreement, UPM Raflatac will extend HID’s technology to other fields of use also covered by the license agreement, including consumer electronics and components, pharmaceutical packaging and vehicle identification.
Click here for more stories about UPM Raflatac on L&L.com.
Trim Waste Management (TWM) is a new engineering company founded in the
In addition to providing turnkey systems, the company offers a consulting service whereby a customer can hire TWM to design and engineer a system without having to pay a mark-up on the equipment, materials or installation.
TWM will design and engineer the system complete with engineered layout drawings, a bill of materials and a competitive quotation from the vendors for the required materials and equipment. The customer will then be responsible for procuring the required items and the installation. The company says this way a 37 percent reduction in system cost is achievable.
J & H Printing Solutions, a distributor of printing and converting equipment, has installed flexo presses at Next Generation Design in
The press installed at Next Generation Design is a 13”, 6-color, stack type machine with a turn bar, lamination, slitting and die-cutting capabilities.
‘Although production speeds on our stack presses are lower than our in-line presses, and the maximum number of colors is limited to six, we have noticed a niche in the industry that has a use for a press that prints high quality, has a small footprint and web path, is quite modular in terms of available converting options, and is virtually untouchable in terms of price compared to other new flexographic presses on the market,’ said J & H president Mat Jones.
Valet Signs purchased the JH 1300, 13” wide in-line flexo press. The machine came equipped with a 16 head variable data printing unit from a supplier in
Both presses were outfitted with laser engraved anilox rolls from Shanghai-based Murata, for which J & H is the exclusive North American distributor.
J & H Printing Solutions specializes in representing Chinese manufacturers of flexo presses, UV dryers, inkjet printers and a variety of complimentary converting equipment and accessories for the packaging and label printing industry.
Click here for more stories about J & H Printing Solutions on L&L.com.
The Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association (FFTA) has announced its 2011 Annual Forum.
Next year’s conference will be staged on May 1-4 at the new JW Marriott Hotel & Indiana Convention Center in
The event, which earlier this year welcomed a record number of converters and consumer product companies, will be chaired by Mark Coffman, sales representative, Dixie Graphics, and Randy Butler, PCG marketing manager, Printpack.
The Forum 2011 agenda includes sessions on emerging trends and new technologies, FIRST (Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications & Tolerances), FQC (Flexo Quality Consortium), inks and substrates, lean manufacturing (a new addition to the line-up), pre press and sustainability.
Running alongside the Forum 2011 is the Info*Flex exhibition.
Click here for more stories about the FFTA on L&L.com.
Pamarco Global Graphics, a manufacturer of print rollers and accessories, has launched its newly redesigned website, www.pamarcoglobal.com.
‘The new website demonstrates Pamarco’s forward-thinking vision and commitment to the growing needs of the print industry,’ said company president Terry Ford. ‘With additional resources now available on the site, the company has added yet another level of value for the members of the print community.’
Click here for more stories about Pamarco Global Graphics on L&L.com.
In partnership with Ebridgesoft, Computer Productivity Services (CPS) now offers EDI and full web store integrations on the sales side with thousands of clients and trading partners already connected and supported.
CPS processes support enhanced ISO compliance through order confirmations, certificates of compliance, full raw material, master roll, ISO core, inspection and finished goods tracking.
Click here for more stories about Computer Productivity Services on L&L.com.
Publishers Printing Company, a fifth-generation, family owned company primarily dedicated to publication printing, has purchased a Mark Andy Performance Series P7 to add label production to its services. The press is due to be installed in October.
Located in Kentucky, USA, Publishers Printing Company, after researching pressure-sensitive label production as an addition to its existing product offering, opted for a 17 inch, 10-color P7, which includes features such as a film package, web turnbar, cold foil and rotary screen capabilities.
‘The versatility of the press allows us to print and finish any configuration of labels and accepts a wide variety of substrates. The decision to purchase the P7 as our first flexo press was unanimous by our research team,’ said Susan Reschar, sales manager, label and packaging division at Publishers Printing Company.
The Mark Andy booth (319) at Labelexpo Americas will feature the Performance Series P7 and P5 models, as well as an interactive print station area where attendees are offered hands-on experience with the equipment.
Click here for more stories about Mark Andy on L&L.com.
Taghleef Industries (Ti) has started production of the new Nativia film from its plant in San Giorgio di Nogaro,
Nativia is a biodegradable and compostable film that complies with the European standard EN13432. The start-up of the new line took place on August 18 and first shipments will be made at the beginning of September.
Valerio Garzitto, CEO of Ti Europe, said: ‘We are particularly proud of the work carried out by our technicians. The BoPLA line was ordered just five months ago, and we already obtained an enthusiastic result being able to be on the market now with a film with excellent characteristics.’
Brueckner was the main supplier of the new BoPLA line. Headquartered in
Click here for more stories about Taghleef Industries on L&L.com.
The Digital Label Summit revealed that digital has become a mainstream printing technology, taking its place alongside letterpress, flexography, screen and offset.
The worldwide installed base of 1,169 digital label presses in 2009 represented 15 percent of all new roll-fed presses installed in that year. Today the figure is nearer 1,300 presses.
If the growth curve of digital continues closely to follow that of UV flexo in the 1990s, digital presses will account for 40 percent of all new roll-fed press sales in just ten years time. What are the implications for conventional press manufacturers?
Firstly, these companies already have a good story to tell in terms of reduced makeready times, from a combination of ‘pit stop’ working procedures and servo-assisted, automated press set-ups. At the same time, flexo – the dominant label print technology globally – has a new, high quality print process known as HD (High Definition), and this truly does bring the process closer to the kinds of quality achievable with gravure and the best offset.
In addition, the issues of finishing must be considered. High added-value labels will require various combinations of embossing, foiling and varnishing in addition to the usual requirements for die-cutting and matrix stripping.
These are additional processes for digital presses, and are usually carried out off-line with some notable exceptions – Xeikon’s 3300 and 3500 are usually sold with in-line systems, for example, as is the Stork DSI. Also, it may be with the new generation of faster inkjet and electrophotographic machines that in-line finishing – at least die-cutting and varnishing – will move in-line with the press.
To get a handle on all these issues, I advise you to attend the Technology Workshops to be held at Labelexpo Americas in
Of course, there’s plenty of other new machinery to see at the show, as well as a comprehensive conference program and Mike Fairley’s digital masterclasses. It should be quite a show.
Andy Thomas
Danielle Jerschefske highlights some new technology and feature areas of the show to look out for at Labelexpo Americas in Chicago in September.
I'm looking forward to hearing Rosemary Grabowski, Labelexpo’s keynote speaker from Dassault Systemes, jump-start the show with a discussion on 3D simulation and experiential imaging coupled with product life-cycle management (PLM). Following her acumen, it will be great to review all of the MIS systems and package design software to see what new attributes have been added to help converters improve a brand’s speed to market. There have been multiple developments amongst these software providers as they continue to collaborate to streamline label and packaging manufacturing, improve quality, reduce waste and more, all while allowing for accurate, immediate data collection and product preview.
High Definition (HD) Flexo and Extended Color Gamut (ECG) advancement/adoption are two other movements I’m stoked to explore in
There's no doubt too that the debut of the Technology Workshops will be priceless to the education of the industry as a whole. During these sessions converters and brand owners will be able to evaluate various digital printing technologies, and advanced flexography, including HD Flexo, to compare and analyze what fits best within their business growth strategies and current job profiles.
The conference program, in collaboration with TLMI, offers valuable sessions that will review all of these aforementioned trends in detail. There is also a session on social media and packaging that should not to be missed. AC Golden – a microbrewery that’s part of the Coors family – will be giving a fascinating presentation about its Colorado Native lager and the use of SnapTag technology on its labels. Used to reach the uber-socialized 21-35 year old consumers, the SnapTag is bad-ass packaging that speaks.
With the onslaught of social media matched with the vibrant consumers of the modern, globalized world, interactive packaging will soon gain traction in the Western world. Colorado Native is the first product to use this technology on packaging; it will not be the last.
Be sure to use the Labelexpo and Labels & Labeling smart phone applications that will available (L&L is running now at www.labelsandlabeling.com/m) and follow us on Twitter @LabelsNLabeling, @AndyThomasEmans, @DanielleJersche, @JamesQuirk, @RogerPellow and @Labelexpo for regular industry updates.
While I’m sad that sweet summertime is coming to a close, I’m keeping my excitement (and hopefully my tan) in anticipation of this year’s Labelexpo Americas. See you there!
Danielle Jerschefske
At Label Summit Latin America, three very interesting themes emerged which will be of interest to label converters globally as we move out of the recession.
Firstly, there was a fascinating panel discussion around global partnerships of label converters featuring Kurt Walker of tesa Bandfix in
The benefits of such an alliance are that medium-sized label converters on different continents can effectively act as single global companies, delivering to end users the advantages of centralized artwork and local distribution of print-ready images.
Another theme which emerged clearly was the growing reality of environmental issues for label converters outside Europe and
Equally interesting, both P&G and Tequila Sauza emphasized the importance of converters providing them with a full service rather than simply manufacturing and supplying labels, citing collaboration on new product development as one area where converters can provide added value.
So here are the three ‘big themes’ which will affect all converters and drive business growth in the coming years: global converter alliances; environmental pressures and the opportunities they present; and converters turning from manufacturers to service providers.
Andy Thomas
Industry expert and L&L founder Mike Fairley recently hosted a webinar dedicated to digital label printing technology. Here we publish his responses to two questions posed during the webinar.
Q: Of the current installations, are there a percentage that end users have installed on their own sites, instead of using a converter?
Dudley Fay, procurement category manager, global demand print, Diagio
Mike Fairley: To my knowledge there are no HP Indigo liquid toner or Xeikon dry toner presses installed in end user facilities. These machines are mostly used for higher quality work which includes over-varnishing and die-cutting (often gold foiling, etc) and require a level of skill from operators for set-up and running.
Inkjet is slightly different. Using UV inks means that over-varnishing may not be required for many label jobs. If the label sizes are continually the same size, then the complexity of regularly changing die-cutters is much reduced. This is the case particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, and I know that EFI Jetrion has now installed some inkjet presses in pharma companies. Printing is usually in only 2/3 colors so that also helps.
The other route that has some installations is where label converters have installed a digital label press in their customer's plant and they then manage the label printing in-house for the end user.
Q: If the cost of flexography printing can be cut in half, will this reduce the growth rate of digital presses?
Q: What is the main advantage of electrophotographic digital labels versus inkjet digital label production? How about in five years?
James Buntain, chief technology officer, Eastman Kodak Company
Mike Fairley: In response to the first question: in my view, no. The cost of digital (essentially the consumables) is already more expensive than flexo. It is not so much to do with printed label cost, it is more to do with adding value and service to the label business. Run lengths are decreasing all the time; companies are reducing stock holding of printed labels, they are rationalizing their supply chains, looking to do more versions, etc.
The way to make digital label printing profitable is nothing to do with selling on price. Successful digital label printers make their profit from adding value and service, such as: reducing lead times, on-demand printing, managing supply chains, test marketing, short run proofing, producing multi-versions or variations, and production flexibility.
Additionally, the average label print run for digitally printed labels is currently under 10,000 labels. Again, it is difficult to make flexo profitable at this level. Label converting plants with both flexo and digital mostly claim to make most of their profit from digital.
With regard to the second question: the dominant digital label technology today is HP Indigo, with probably around 80 percent of the total installed 1,200 worldwide base. They have succeeded because of excellent marketing – they undertake feasibility studies with converters, work out their break-evens and investment payback time. They can offer color guaranteed printing. They have a wider color gamut than conventional printing. They give excellent after-sale support.
Color drop-on-demand inkjet arrived some ten years later and has – up until now – been perceived as of lower quality and performance. That, I think, is now starting to change. Quality of reproduction, enhanced definition, better inks, the introduction of white inks, etc, are all making the process more saleable and installations are now starting to grow more rapidly. The fact that some very big suppliers with global reputations (Durst, Domino, Epson, for example) are entering the market is also now changing the perception of performance, quality, support, etc. New inkjet technology, such as the Memjet engine shown at Ipex, which has 70,400 nozzles and claims photographic quality, will undoubtedly also change the perception of inkjet. Initial forecasts that I have seen seem to indicate that inkjet will grow rapidly over the next five years.
There are now something like 30 different digital makes and models of inkjet label presses on the market. Not all will survive, but the market leaders will probably grow fast and succeed rapidly. The Digital Label Summit coming up in
One of the best things about being a narrow web label converter is the opportunity to use existing equipment and skills to diversify your business.
In issue 2 of L&L we take a closer look at how die-cutting and finishing skills can open up new, value added markets.
Called by many ‘functional’ converting or ‘converting beyond print’, we are talking about a wide range of applications requiring accurate die-cutting from a web of material, often on difficult and expensive substrates. These applications include – but are by no means restricted to – die-cut components for cell phone manufacture, facia panels for cars, medical items like bandages, access cards, transit cards, apparel tags etc.
The technical key to this business are the rotary cutting tools, which often have to be specially selected for use with highly abrasive materials. The same debate rages between solid and magnetic tooling – with mag dies able to handle longer runs of abrasive materials then ever before – but technically there is nothing here that can’t be handled by any competent narrow web converter.
Converters on both sides of the Atlantic have pioneered these applications – Schreiner Etiketten in
Much functional converting work, of course, takes place in the
Andy Thomas
A new nationwide study in the USA reveals that more than eight out of ten supermarket shoppers see no improvement in the economy, and forty percent believe the situation has worsened.
As consumers continue to cope, the study affirms, the appeal of store brand products is stronger than ever and may even be intensifying.
The findings are based on a poll of nearly 800 main household grocery shoppers conducted in February 2010 by GfK Custom Research North America for the Private Label Manufacturers Association, based in
Among the study highlights:
For most American shoppers, the recovery has yet to begin.
Asked whether the economy has changed over the past few months, 40 percent said conditions were worse, while another 42 percent said things have stayed the same. Fewer than one in five felt the economy had improved.
As a result, the recent surge in store brands sales is likely to continue.
When asked how important economic conditions were in deciding to buy a supermarket store brand, four in ten responded ‘very important’. A solid majority of consumers – more than six in ten – said they plan on buying more private label as they attempt to stretch their food dollars. Another finding that may also accrue to store brands’ benefit: Half of shoppers intend to spend less money on groceries in the months ahead.
Consumer awareness of store brands is also rising.
More than half of respondents said they are more aware of store brand products now than they were a year ago.
Shoppers who identify themselves as ‘frequent’ buyers of store brands are at an all-time high.
Some 57 percent say they buy private label products frequently, a figure that has been increasing (it was under 55 percent a year ago).
A greater number of shoppers are switching to store brands in product categories where they had previously only purchased a national brand.
Some 43 percent report they have recently forsaken a familiar national brand for a private label counterpart, a marked increase since the June 2009 when only 35 percent said they had done so.
Virtually all of the shoppers who switched are pleased with their decision.
Ninety-seven percent compared store brands favorably to their previous national brand choices in the same categories. About half said that their store brand selections compare ‘very favorably’, a dramatic increase from the June 2009 study when only one quarter reported the same.
Study participants endorsed a variety of strategies to cope with what they see as a persistently difficult economy. When asked how they think the economy will impact their supermarket shopping habits, more than two thirds said they will take advantage of discounts by buying larger sizes or quantities for items they regularly purchase; two thirds will look for more coupons and promotions on national brands. About a third plan to change the stores or types of stores where they do their primary grocery shopping.
PLMA commissioned GfK to monitor consumer attitudes and behavior toward store brands in the
Thomas Wailgum, senior editor at www.CIO.com, a resource for executives and IT leaders, authors numerous features and analyses on the business world's most challenging topics.
One of his recent posts, titled ‘Sustainability: Important, but Boring as Hell’, is in response to a discussion surrounding sustainability and SAP, the leading management software provider.
He said: ‘I can’t stand any more sustainability talk’, and even went so far as to create a list topics that he’d prefer to listen to, including the ‘history of socks’.
What does the label industry think about sustainability? How do you feel when you hear the term ‘Green’ at an industry conference? Do you think the term sustainability is still too vague in the label industry? What are your issues surrounding sustainability? What do you find compelling about the issue?
Check out the latest articles in Labels & Labeling issue 1 on Sustainability: Legislation 23, Europen 33 and Lean and
Danielle Jerschefske
In a very positive move, the world's major self-adhesive label trade associations have come together to create the 'L7', a forum for discussion of issues of common interest in a rapidly globalizing world.
The new grouping was created at a summit hosted by Labelexpo Asia in
In addition to Finat and TLMI, the other five members of the L7 are PEIAC (
Such a global forum has long been advocated by this magazine and leading industry figure Mike Fairley, founder of L&L and
So the L7/8/9 should now press to be represented on bodies like the Global Packaging Project to offer label input on the whole area of sustainability and environment. The GPP brings together the world's most powerful brands and packaging manufacturers to define a common ‘language’ for the global sustainability debate.
Already the L7 has made a positive start, identifying areas where they can make an immediate start on issues like developing a common environment platform and setting common entry criteria for the global label awards, as well as exchanging data and opinions via a new Finat-built website.
The Tarsus Group is meanwhile developing a Global Label Summit in 2011 which will bring together the global label associations, global end users, converters, legislators and other key influencers in a forum where these issues can be discussed.
None of this is to say that regional associations are no longer required. But as an industry we do need a global voice – and fast.
Andy Thomas
Over the past five years or so the digital printing of labels has undoubtedly become a mainstream printing process.
More than 1,200 digital label presses have now been installed worldwide since the first launches of this new technology in the mid 1990s and close to 250 new presses are now being installed each year into label printing companies in Europe, North and
While the digital label press market to date has been dominated by industry pioneers HP Indigo and Xeikon, the past couple of years has seen over 15 new digital inkjet presses being launched, as well as further models from the main market leaders – many of these presses being presented for the first time at the Labelexpo show in Brussels last year. Indeed, current analysis indicates that there are now at least 36 different makes and models of digital label presses available to converters from some 30 suppliers.
Such has been the response to the opportunities and sales growth created by label converters investing in digital presses that installations of new digital presses annually now make up some 15 percent of all narrow web label presses installed worldwide each year, while the value of digital label sales grows annually at up to 36 percent – against just 4 or 5 percent annual growth for conventionally printed labels. Certainly a powerful argument for continued investment in digital technology.
Now those same benefits are increasingly being extended into other types of labels – shrink sleeve, heat transfer, etc – as well as into new opportunities within the printed packaging sectors, with digital printing now being used for the production of high quality printed flexible packaging, tubes, cartons, bottle top foils, sleeves, containers and pails, even games and competitions incorporating variable information.
Major brand owners, such as Heineken, have already taken advantage of digitally printed shrink sleeve labels for market promotions, while many other brands are currently evaluating or using the benefits of digital technology for new label and packaging solutions.
While the web widths of the toner-based label presses of HP Indigo (liquid toner) and Xeikon (dry powder toner) are currently in the 330/340mm range, the new developments in integrating conventional printing with digital UV inkjet printing now allow easier scalability of conventional/digital presses, moving from the more traditional narrow webs up to webs of 420mm (Nilpeter Caslon) or even 630mm (Agfa :Dotrix). Such developments further widen the potential and opportunities for digital presses in the printed packaging field.
Front end progress
But it is not just digital printing presses that have advanced significantly in the past few years. It is also developments in digital front ends, in automation and integration of digital solutions through the production chain, in new digital software solutions, in workflow organization, in on-line color management and in ‘color guaranteed’ printing.
Becoming a successful digital label or package printing converter is certainly not just about buying a digital press to go into the conventional printing plant; it also very much to do whether the pre-press operation is also ready for digital print.
Color control is definitely a key element in the success of digital printing, not just CYMK, but also very much spot color matching. Pre-press really has to be the main focus to having the fast turnarounds that digital printing offers. The press will do what it can; there’s a lot of excellent technology in the market, but if the converter hasn’t got pre-press sorted it can provide a number of challenges. Pre-press must support fast job turnaround, while unsuitable pre-press set-ups will jeopardize production and performance.
From the print-buyer point of view there are also a number of value drivers to using digital printing. Ensuring quality and compliance is very important Taking cost out of the process obviously, and accelerated time to market so that products can enter the market quicker, as well as offering all sorts of value added services (the converter just delivering a label is pretty much part of the past). Converters today have to change their service model according to the new requirements from the various players within the supply chain – and of course expand the scope of the business.
Instrumental in achieving these value drivers are having an end-to-end supply chain integrated solution and making sure that all of the players within the supply chain talk to each other and collaborate, preferably online so that costly breaks between communication are eliminated.
According to pre-press supplier EskoArtwork, ‘brand equity’ is definitely very important, e.g. the accurate reproduction of spot colors. So is the need to communicate print; entering into communication with customers, with suppliers, or with people in the converter’s own organization or maybe from a different location. There are also many forms of automation possible. Postpone the decision on whether or not a job will go digital or conventional as late as possible in the production process. Reduce errors i.e. eliminate as many interactive operator steps as possible, and also DO NOT make a second copy of a job if that job is switched to digital – this only doubles up the copies of a job and opens the door wide for errors.
Then there is waste reduction; business expansion; expansion of services offered to the customer; and of course last but not least; unattended digital printing and die-less converting. And, at the end of the day, the thing that everybody wants; maximizing press uptime to print as many jobs as possible each day.
Added to these pre-press and workflow strategies and solutions are all the continuing advances in in-line and off-line finishing systems for digitally-printed labels and packaging and the benefits of this rapidly growing technology are further multiplied. While conventional die-cutting and varnishing have been the minimum finishing options for digital label presses to-date, the latest equipment is now available with options for hot or cold foiling, embossing, inkjet personalization, 2D barcoding, booklet insertion, hologram registration, flat-bed screen printing, sheeting, over-laminating, 100% web inspection, turret rewinding or slitter rewinding if required.
All the main suppliers of digital print finishing equipment now also offer laser cutting solutions. Certainly there is now an array of cost-affordable laser cutting equipment for the label and package printing converter to choose from. Cutting speeds of laser cutters will depend on a number of variables, including material thickness, amount of cutting required, amount of small radius curves and the amount of jumping between features.
Laser cutters are now able to take any vector-based digital image – perhaps generated on an EskoArtwork system – and import this into the cutter’s operating software so as to generate the job set-up within a few minutes. Using digital laser cutting enables converters to move from artwork to finished printing and die-cutting within a very short period of time.
While the software, hardware, applications and markets for digital label (and package) printing have developed rapidly over the past few years, many label, packaging, brand owner and retail groups still have a perception of digital that is somewhat out-of-date in terms of quality, run lengths, solutions and potential.
All that has changed. Digital is now regularly used for run lengths of 50,000 or more – a market opportunity which represents two-thirds of conventionally printed label jobs. Quality today is excellent. Indeed many label producers quote jobs for both conventional and digital and let the customer decide. Many customers regularly choose digital from choice. The breakeven or crossover point between digital and conventional has certainly extended considerably in recent years.
Markets and applications for digitally printed labels now include the key end-user sectors of food, health, beauty and cosmetics, wines, beers and spirits, pharmaceuticals, household cleaning and industrial products, as well as increasing inroads into other sectors such as computers, oil and petroleum products, automotive, white home goods appliances, home maintenance, other retail and consumer electronics.
What seems certain is that this list will continue to grow rapidly, while the benefits of digital printing are now starting to also be found in a wide range of flexible packaging, sleeve, tube, carton, etc, applications. Indeed, recent research indicates that up to 15 percent of the installed digital label presses are already producing digitally printed flexible packaging
Such rapid advances will ensure that the Digital Area at Labelexpo Americas this year will have much for visitors to see. New makes and models of press, upgraded pre-press solutions, automation software, finishing equipment, etc, as well as seminar presentations on the latest trends and developments and, for those coming new to digital printing, a masterclass on how to get the best out of a digital printing investment.
Before then, a second Digital Label Summit will be held in
It is no longer a question of thinking about investing in or using digital label printing, it is more about not being left behind in a rapidly evolving and increasingly profitable printing sector.
Mike Fairley
The Dscoop brand owner panel session made it clear that brand owners require more education on the opportunities that can be realized through digitally printed labels and packaging.
The conference's panel, which included Texas Instruments, Bic, P&G and Frito-Lay, generally appeared to view digital printing only as a way to economically produce mock-ups and product trials.
These were some of the comments: 'For the size runs that we do, it doesn't make sense to use digital'; 'When you compare digital print to PMS it does not match'; and 'Our brand color is not going away: this is one of the problems with digital'.
The audience, filled with converters from around the world, HP and its partners, was frustrated with the inability to communicate their capabilities to more receptive ears. Many questions and comments were voiced from the crowd in an effort to make the panel aware of the recent advancements of the technology – throughput, frame size, color management and more.
Heineken’s success with its ‘Your Heineken’ campaign was shared in the Web 2 Print session on the subsequent day, vividly proving that even the world’s biggest players can find a place for digital printing in their portfolio. Your Heineken gives consumers the ability to custom design their own shrink sleeve label; a six-pack with personalized labels sells for 15 euros – an over 200 percent mark up. The project has been so successful that it will be taken into more European countries in 2010 and will be made available in a 24-pack. Wonder what a case will cost?
Brand owners need to be more educated on what the label and packaging industry can truly offer them. They must become more knowledgeable, not only with digital printing, but also with the industry’s sustainability efforts, its advanced media introductions and added value capabilities, extended gamut printing opportunities, HD flexo and color management.
L&L’s End User Newsletter, to be launched in Spring 2010, will be a solution for this issue. It will grow the awareness of the industry’s continual advancement amongst its customers, closing the gap through education.
Danielle Jerschefske
ISO will introduce six standards by 2012, clearly dealing with terms such as recycling, bio-degradation and energy recovery with regards to packaging.
They will likely be based on the current European standards developed by CEN. This could be a big wake up call for many in the
Yet educating consumers on the right way to recover packaging materials will be the true key to finding success with these standards – after all, a product’s Life Cycle Analysis, including the packaging, is based on its manufacturing trail from natural resource extraction to disposal.
As an au pair in
Widespread education on proper waste disposal is on the rise. In the
The SPC is riding on this successful platform, developing too an on-pack label to increase the recycle reach and rate in the
With each of these standards coming into play, we will no doubt see an increase in recycling facilities capable of handling the many materials that, in the past, have been simply land-filled. Consumers are gaining knowledge and we all know what knowledge is – power.
Glass and plastic make up fifty percent of packaging by weight for the world’s largest multi-national beverage companies. To help brands help consumers increase recycling rates, they’ll be materials innovation in the label industry. Its leaders will do what they do best: create a solution for their clients. One
Danielle Jerschefske
We often forget how developments in label applicator technology can impact the label converter.
The ability of a Krones modular labeler to switch rapidly between cold glue, hot melt or PS heads, for example, allowed end users to introduce PS labels to premium brands previously using wet glue, opening up a new market for added value label conversion.
In issue 6 of L&L we report on a new applicator development which challenges hot melt filmic roll labels – and potentially allows PS label converters to enter a new added value label sector. On PE Labellers’ Adhesleeve system (see page 28) label converters add a strip of PS adhesive, in register, onto each label on a roll. The applicator cuts the roll at the adhesive strip and applies it to the bottle in one operation – eliminating the need for hot melt application on the bottling line. It will require an additional coating station on the press, and some considerable skill in multi-process, inline printing: in other words, the narrow web converter is perfectly positioned to challenge the wide web flexible packaging sector where so much of this work is currently done.
Talking of potentially paradigm-changing developments, check out also our feature on the new Pantec Rhino foiling system (page 61), which claims to bring the quality of sheetfed foiling to the narrow web press in the form on an inline flatbed module with claimed speeds up to 120 m/min on uncoated papers.
This is the truly exciting thing about the narrow web industry, compared to, say, the commercial offset sector: there are always new ideas popping up which can give you the edge over the rest of the market, and thus avoid the evils of commoditization and competition on price.
Andy Thomas
You could almost hear the sigh of relief as the doors closed on Labelexpo Europe in Brussels in September
You could almost hear the sigh of relief as the doors closed on Labelexpo Europe in
Label printers were reporting the return of some big orders as end users finally re-stock their depleted warehouses. Manufacturers of printing presses and converting systems reported high levels of interest in new machinery, stimulated by the launch of a raft of new systems from some of the industry’s biggest names.
A significant trend was label converters looking for systems which improve efficiency and reduce waste – for example rewinders which can be networked with press inspection systems, and MIS systems which integrate with digital presses, relaying orders to the machines and receiving back real-time production and cost data.
On a similar theme, the growing maturity of JDF as a data interchange standard is now allowing companies like EskoArtwork to build links with MIS suppliers fully to integrate graphics management servers with estimating, ordering and production planning systems. The well-deserved award for Patrick Wack’s 5/7 Etiquette for the tight integration between his EskoArtwork system and a CERM MIS is a great example for our industry.
You could not mention Labelexpo Europe 2009 without talking about the accelerating pace of digital printing developments. It’s clear that in terms of inkjet, production-ready 4-color digital presses are getting faster and resolutions are increasing, while the established ‘top end’ systems from Xeikon and HP continue to push back the prime label crossover point with conventional presses.
In Issue 5 of L&L we have the most comprehensive review ever of a Labelexpo. If there is anything exciting which you saw, and we missed, then please let us know.
Finally, I would like to add my congratulations to the winners of the Label Industry Global Awards – Mike Fairley for Lifetime Achievement, EskoArtwork for Continuous Innovation, EFI-Jetrion for New Innovation award and Rako Group, European converter of the year.
Andy Thomas
Labelexpo Europe this September has to be a must-attend event for every label converter.
But why go see new equipment in the middle of a recession?
Firstly, all recessions are opportunities as well as threats. Leading global businesses like Apple, Google and Starbucks were launched at the depths of previous recessions. Why? Because recessions force everybody, from consumers downwards, to reconsider how they operate. When everything is growing nicely, it's hard to change attitudes or investment strategies. Now, everything is in movement.
Consider just one trend: the dramatic growth of private labels, or store brands, not just in the 'value' sector, but also now moving upmarket to the mid and even premium level. Their challenge is how to add value at minimum cost. The global brands are responding by reconsidering how they pack, label and distribute, launching their own 'mid' value brands.
What else has the recession done? Buyers are looking to cut costs by ordering less, but more often – already a trend before the crisis, but now accelerated. This will require re-tooling entire supply chains.
The technologies which enable converters to take advantage of these opportunities will be on display at Labelexpo: a new generation of servo presses which can be embedded into plant-wide management systems; JDF-enabled workflows which link estimating, stock control, customer relations management, graphics pre-press and internet proofing systems; the next generation of faster, higher quality digital presses – including new contenders in the exploding inkjet sector; 'eco-friendly' paper and films. The list goes on.
If there is one print show you visit this year, it has to be Labelexpo.
Andy Thomas
Mike Fairley discusses some of the key reasons why label converters should visit Labelexpo Europe this year and how they should be planning to invest for the future
It has been interesting to look at the reactions of various businesses to the almost continuous negative economic, business and global news on television, in the business press and on the internet. There are some that appear to have virtually 'frozen' their whole operation – they stop investing, cut advertising, slash R&D and marketing budgets, run-down stocks, etc. Yet others seem to go into some kind of panic and make all kinds of un-researched and rash decisions about investing, or markets and investments. The real gloomy ones may even tend to defer any action at all until they can figure out what comes next – a strategy that is usually doomed to failure in the longer term.
What label converters' should really be doing, however, is responding positively to market changes through innovation and strategies that are designed to encourage growth; establishing forward investment strategies, developing new business and personnel structures, evolving creative staff capabilities and looking for new products and services. Certainly, the best label businesses are already well into this mode. After all, history is full of companies that have jumped ahead of their competitors by actually increasing their investment on growth opportunities and innovation during the bad times. Why should the label industry be any different?
But where do label converters find the innovative ideas and growth opportunities to take them successfully into the future, irrespective of when the recession comes to an end? Well one place is certainly going to be Labelexpo Europe 2009.
Many industry suppliers have already adapted to global change by bringing out new products, technology and services to help converters become more competitive, to aid cost-reduction, to add-value, and to create innovative solutions. Yet some converters will undoubtedly say 'we have cut our travel budgets and cannot afford to take management teams to Brussels for several days', while the correct decision should be 'we cannot afford not to go to Labelexpo'.
Ideally, converters' should increase their management attendance at the show, but make the time more productive by giving each manager a target to return with, say, five good innovative, growth potential, added value or efficiency ideas or products that the company can then evaluate for implementation or investment. It will be interesting to see what each one comes up with. But what areas of the show should they be looking at for these new ideas or products? Let's highlight a few.
Advances in technology innovation
Hi-tech innovation and R&D by label press manufacturers and equipment suppliers does not appear to be slowing down. On the contrary, a recession concentrates the minds of technology companies and makes them really turn their abilities to inventing the future. It's already two years since the last Labelexpo Europe and, if the converter misses the 2009 show, it will be a further two years until the next European event. Miss four years and the converter will be way out of touch with the latest innovative and cost-competitive solutions.
Labelexpo is the showcase for the leading technology and hi-tech manufacturers. Just think Nilpeter, Gallus, MPS, Mark Andy, EskoArtwork, and the like. They are continuously adapting to pressures from the market, from end-user requirements, from digital label printing, from efficiency targets and from new alliances or partnerships. Just from talking with these companies at the show it will provide ideas on opportunities, trends and possibilities. And it is not always just about buying a new press. There are often smaller, lower-cost, add-ons, upgrades or extensions that will provide exciting opportunities.
Even if a new press is put on hold it is probably still worthwhile looking at a machine up-grade or add-on that offers enhanced value or service to the label buyer – such as brand protection solutions, leaflet labels, on-serting capabilities, numbering, sequential coding, embossing, hologram dispensing, or maybe a twin-cut rotary die-cutting unit. All these can be seen at Labelexpo.
The whole pre-press, workflow, software, file storage, imaging, proofing and plate making has also changed dramatically, even since the last Labelexpo, and will continue to evolve rapidly over the next few years. Label buyers want to make use of converters with the latest technology solutions that will both add-value and reduce time or costs. How many label converters can say that they are up-to-date with the latest pre-press solutions and talk regularly with their customers about the benefits of new technology?
Then look at the digital label printing opportunities at the show. Exhibitors now have their own dedicated digital hall, displays of digitally printed labels and products, digital experience panel sessions where the converter can listen to the world's pioneers in digital printing, see all the main digital label presses in operation (including the launch of a new, high speed, near photographic quality digital inkjet press) and learn about the increased label converting profitability that digital can offer.
Already some leading label buying companies such as P&G are saying that they will expect all their label suppliers in the future to offer digital capabilities. Wait another two years before coming to Labelexpo and the converter may well have already lost some of their key accounts because they cannot provide the digital label printing service required. Now is the time to be evaluating all the digital label press solutions at Labelexpo – not in two years time. See what HP Indigo, Xeikon, Epson, EFI Jetrion, Durst and others already have to offer in 2009.
Follow the green and energy efficiency momentum
There is little doubt that leading label buying organizations and converters have been increasingly discovering the benefits of going 'Green' in all its many forms – green materials, energy efficiency, waste reduction, environmental friendliness, forest products, sustainability, recyclable or re-usable materials, reduced pollution, and much more. Indeed recession and economic pressures tends to drive these developments even faster.
To meet this growing demand Labelexpo Europe is this year introducing a 'Green Park' area where exhibitors will be displaying their green and environmental solutions. Certainly well worth a visit, but it should be more than this. It gives converters the opportunity to talk to their customers before the show and find out what green solutions they are really looking for. Offer to compile a green report for them on the latest green-related label innovations and opportunities at the show. Make it a talking and selling point with key existing and potential clients after the show. It's also a good way to retain customers.
Enhance the brand
In times of recession brand owners start looking at new, simpler and more cost-effective ways of presenting and selling their products, maybe moving from bottles to pouches, pots to sachets; or looking for new labeling solutions such as sleeving or wrap-around film. Technology on show at Labelexpo offers all these options. Many can be undertaken on the same presses that are already being used. There is also a proliferation of 'Own Brand' products emerging.
Brand protection and authentication are also key requirements today. Recession and globalization both tend to increase levels of counterfeiting, so why not make a key point at Labelexpo of looking at all the brand protection, anti-counterfeiting, anti-tamper, anti-theft, hologram, etc, solutions. Again, talk to customers in advance, find out what they may be looking for, compile a report on possible options and costs – it all helps to build relationships with label customers.
Find new software solutions
Today, a new or upgraded Management Information System (MIS) can also offer significant benefits to both the converter and to their customers. Holding customer job data and files for customers to search, interrogate, see the current status of their orders, stockholding, etc, can all be part of adding value to a business in a recession and generating customer loyalty. They can even provide parallel costing and profitability information between a company's conventional and digital presses. Why not talk to the MIS suppliers at Labelexpo about how they can enhance the performance and profitability of your business?
Or what about looking at software investment to access press set-up and production data via a remote computer? Label converters should not be ruling out anything during recessionary times, at least not without having a well-considered business and action plan while the recession continues – and where they want to be placed when the recession come to an end.
In summary, label converters should regard Labelexpo Europe 2009 as a major opportunity. It is almost certain that label production, supply and service will come out of the recession very different to how it went. Label buyers will undoubtedly see to that. They want label suppliers to better manage information, to better control performance, to better add value, to be greener and leaner, and to work with them to take costs out of the supply chain.
Converters should be thinking positive. The world is still full of label opportunities: world food production and supply is set to double over the next 20 years; in ten years or so some 16 percent of the world's population will be over 65, which will bring a major requirement for new products and services in healthcare; an expected billion or so (higher income) consumers will be entering the global marketplace and spending more; Brazil, India and China are providing key new targets for multinational beauty brands; there is a massive explosion worldwide in private label brands. The positive stories still go on.
Whilst many manufacturers in Europe and worldwide have undoubtedly been running down stocks held in warehouses over the past year, and inventories have fallen at their fastest rate since 1948 (so reducing label demand), the good news is that stocks are now generally so low that firms are at least starting to look at placing orders again – which will help manufacturers and label converters alike in the coming year.
So, plan now to get the most out of Labelexpo Europe. Set targets for visiting the show, plan strategies to make the most of demonstrations and presentations, have guidelines on what is to be achieved over the four days, and come away with an enhanced business plan and profitability in mind.
Labelexpo is undoubtedly the main opportunity this year for label converters to successfully plan and build a more profitable future. Make sure you don't miss out.
Mike Fairley