Sappi to showcase its new range of high-quality label and silicone base papers at Labelexpo

Sappi, a leading manufacturer of packaging and speciality papers, will be introducing its extensive range of facestock papers and silicone base papers as well as wet-glue label papers at the upcoming Labelexpo Europe in Brussels from 26 to 29 April 2022. Visitors to the Sappi stand in Hall 5, Stand B 13 will have the opportunity to experience the company’s new glassine, CCK and label papers. As an independent paper manufacturer, Sappi offers its customers in the self-adhesive label sector all papers from a single source.

• Enhanced formulation of glassine papers from the Silco product family.
• New Sol CN and Sol LF CCK papers with excellent flatness
• The new semi-gloss Parade Label SG facestock paper
• Parade Label Pro for non-wet-strength wet-glue labels
• High availability and fast delivery of label papers thanks to portfolio expansion at the Gratkorn site

Processors, printers and brand manufacturers can always count on Sappi as a provider of broad-based solutions who can meet their requirements worldwide – in line with the “everything from a single source” maxim and in consistent premium quality. This also applies to the company’s broad portfolio of silicone base and label papers. With its many innovations and as an independent provider, Sappi offers its customers even more options in the areas of self-adhesive and wet-glue labels. Michael Bethge, Sales Director Speciality Papers at Sappi Europe confirms: “We are looking forward to enjoying face-to-face discussions and consulting face to face, and to presenting our new products at our Labelexpo exhibition stand.”

New silicone base papers for greater efficiency

Sappi’s Glassine and CCK silicone base papers offer exceptional siliconisation properties as well as easy and efficient processing. They are used as release liners for a variety of self-adhesive applications such as self-adhesive labels, graphic applications, adhesive tapes and office supplies.

To meet the high expectations of its customers, Sappi recently improved the entire glassine paper formulations of its Silco product family. These include the supercalendered Silco Label and Silco Tape BS papers as well as Silco Process Liner BS. These have been successfully produced for decades at Sappi’s Condino mill in Italy.

Right on time for the trade fair, Sappi will be introducing two new CCK papers to complement the Sol product family. With Sol CN, Sappi is presenting a one-side double-coated CCK paper designed for office materials such as self-adhesive labels or adhesive tapes. The paper is available in a grammage of 55g/m2. It features characteristics such as high strength, a remarkably smooth surface and low silicone consumption, as well as easy, cost-efficient handling and excellent lay-flat properties.

The second CCK launch at Labelexpo is the Sol LF paper with extraordinary flatness. Available in 120 and 135 g/m2 basis weights, this paper features high strength, low silicone consumption, a smooth surface and cost-efficient processability. Moreover, its excellent lay-flat properties with almost imperceptible dimensional change in the cross direction make it the perfect material for self-adhesive films in the graphic arts sector.

Outstanding label papers

The new Parade Label SG facestock paper boasts first-class printing and finishing properties. Launched in autumn 2021, this one-side coated, semi-gloss paper for self-adhesive label applications excels with its outstanding printability, opacity and stiffness, as well as its excellent further processing capabilities. It is ideally suited as a self-adhesive label for general packaging, transport packaging, disposable bottles and containers.

Parade Label Pro, launched in mid-2021, has been very well received in the market. The glossy, one-side double-coated wet-glue label paper features an exceptionally smooth surface as well as a high degree of whiteness, while ensuring excellent printing and finishing results. Visitors to Labelexpo will experience the paper – designed for challenging labels in the food, beverage and consumer goods sectors – as the perfect choice to achieve distinctive visual impact and product differentiation in retail environments. Selected references from around the world will be presented to visitors at the stand.

Targeted focus on availability and fast delivery

To ensure 100% availability and fast delivery of its label papers, Sappi has secured reliable production and seamless supply chains. Whereas label papers in Europe were previously only produced in Alfeld, Germany, in Carmignano, Italy, and in the USA at the Somerset site, Sappi now offers an ideal addition with its plant in Gratkorn, Austria. The state-of-the-art production facilities, covering everything from paper machines to sizing equipment, and many years of expertise in the production of coated papers are the best prerequisites to ensure first-class products. Shorter production cycles enable Sappi to always guarantee high availability and fast delivery of its premium label papers.

• Mondi has created a recyclable refill pouch enabling Henkel consumers to reduce plastic by 70% and helping Henkel to move closer to its sustainability targets
• Henkel’s Pril hand dishwashing liquid is available in a 100% recycled PET pump dispenser bottle which can be re-used many times using refills packaged in Mondi’s recyclable mono PE refill pouch
• The innovative pouch is light-weight, convenient to use, certified as leak-proof and highly durable even for home deliveries

8 February 2022 – Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, and Henkel are helping consumers to wash dishes more sustainably by creating a completely new reuse packaging concept. The two companies worked together on a packaging solution for Henkel’s hand dishwashing products that allows refilling plastic bottles from flexible pouches. This supports Henkel’s sustainability targets of making 100% of its packaging recyclable or reusable and reducing 50% of fossil-based virgin plastic by 2025.

Since January, consumers can purchase a new keep-at-home refillable pump dispenser with refills in the lightweight, mono-material pouch produced by Mondi. The flexible stand-up pouch reduces plastic by 70% every time it replaces rigid plastic bottles and is easy to recycle where existing infrastructure exists.

Convenient and lighter to carry home, the pouch completely empties thanks to its shaped design, leaving no residue. It is soft touch with a sturdy base so it can easily stand in-store, offering retailers attractive and eye-catching on-shelf appeal while also communicating all the brand information including sustainability benefits. Mondi’s leak-proof pouch is certified according to ISTA 6, providing a highly durable packaging for both in-store and online shopping.

Muriel Joncheray, Global Key Account Manager Consumer Flexibles, Mondi says: “Sustainability is a vital element in the homecare industry and a trend that is shaping the whole market – and rightly so. At Mondi, we have defined sustainability goals that focus on circular driven solutions in our MAP2030 action plan. This includes a target to make 100% of our products reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025 – just like the recyclable pouch for Henkel. Our EcoSolutions approach meant that we worked very closely with the Henkel team to create the new packaging. While the aim was to provide a solution that helped Henkel reach its sustainability targets, we also needed to ensure the materials and structure would protect the product in transit and on-shelf, preventing leakage and minimising waste.”

Carsten Bertram, Head of Global Packaging Innovation Dishwashing at Henkel added: “At Henkel, we recognize our responsibility related to packaging. We’re committed to driving sustainable packaging and have a set of ambitious targets. Our strategy is based around circular economy and focuses on integrating recycled plastics, reducing the amount of plastic packaging, having reusable packaging and using fully recyclable packaging concepts to close the loop. Mondi was the obvious partner to help us with their expertise in creating the best possible solutions – for the product, the planet and the customer.”

The new packaging concept is being launched for Henkel’s brand Pril in Germany. It has been certified by “Blauer Engel”, the independent ecolabel of the German Federal Government that sets stringent standards for environmentally responsible products and services.

AeroLED is a high power UV LED system for full cure, printing, coating and converting applications up to 60cm wide. Its innovative design makes AeroLED extremely cost-effective and step changes the accessibility of LED printing.

GEW have announced the launch of a major new product for both the company and the narrow web printing market. AeroLED is a fully air-cooled, high power UV LED system for full cure, printing, coating and converting applications up to 60cm wide. AeroLED delivers power and reliability with a unique concept which eliminates many of the operational problems in existing air-cooled LED systems on the market. Moreover, the innovative design makes AeroLED extremely cost-effective and step changes the accessibility of LED printing.

The benefits of AeroLED

In an AeroLED system, the first significant innovation is in the air-cooling process. Cool, filtered air is distributed from a single centralised fan sited away from the press and exits through the UV lampheads, for quiet and reliable operation. The remote positioning of the fan avoids common problems caused by ink mist and dust ingress, while large air filters reduce the filter replacement cycle. There is no need for integrated fans or electronics in the individual lampheads, which eliminates the high pitched noise and contamination issues that these bring. AeroLED features the same LED chassis and core components as GEW’s LeoLEDlamphead, for proven reliability straight from launch day. As with LeoLED, the new lamp uses GEW’s standard cassette design for easy maintenance, with tough watertight seals to protect the LED modules from ingress and to make cleaning easy and safe. Every aspect of the design has been carefully considered to deliver robust performance and long-term reliability.

AeroLED’s efficient optical design enables the lowest energy usage of all GEW products. This delivers energy savings of typically 50-70%, when compared to a conventional UV arc system. In addition to offering greatly reduced operating costs, printers upgrading to LED are able to free up a significant level of mains capacity, which can then be used to install new machinery and subsequently increase production capability. Two AeroLED systems have a lower electrical supply requirement than just one conventional arc UV system.

In addition to the sustainability benefits of AeroLED, GEW highlight the ease of installation to those considering a retrofit upgrade to GEW’s new air-cooled LED. Robert Rae, Managing Director of Sales at GEW, explains: “As AeroLED has GEW’s familiar E2C cassette design, upgrading an E2C system with RHINO/RLT power only requires switching to the AeroLEDlampheads and the addition of a fan filter unit. All other components on press remain the same. This means that a retrofit upgrade can be implemented in as little as one day, and makes AeroLED the most cost-effective route to LED printing available, worldwide.” He adds: “Those new to GEW products will find the cost of a complete new AeroLED upgrade to be highly competitive, and something that pays for itself typically within two years through energy savings, not to mention the increased productivity that LED systems bring to press.”

Cool, filtered air is distributed from a single centralised fan sited away from the press and exits through the UV lampheads, for quiet and reliable operation.

A further advantage of LED in the curing process is its predictability and stability of UV output. AeroLED delivers a step change in process control by ensuring stable UV output year after year, and eliminates the uncertainty of conventional UV lamps, reflectors and mechanisms to ensure consistent production quality.

As is the case with all new GEW UV products, AeroLED uses GEW’s RHINO power supply and control range, for ultimate reliability with Industry 4.0 approved, IoT Remote Monitoring as standard.

Why retrofit with AeroLED?

UV LED is no longer just a technology for the future, it has become an essential technology for the present day. This change has been driven by the recent and dramatic increases in global energy prices, creating an unprecedented demand for low-energy, sustainable LED solutions as well as improved ink technology and availability. Technological advancement is leading to ever more efficient and cost-effective UV LED products, as is demonstrated by the introduction of AeroLED.

Robert Rae summarises his view on the current market: “At GEW we are seeing a record number of orders across all system types and LED business significantly increasing from both OEMs and end customers alike. In the next two years, LED could reach 50% of GEW’s output and we are gearing up for this, with a recent major investment in further new UK production facilities.” He concludes: “With AeroLED’s unique design concept and highly competitive cost, the case for printers to upgrade to LED is stronger than ever before. The opportunities are huge and we are convinced LED will soon become the dominant technology in our narrow web market.”

UFlex, the largest flexible packaging producer in India and emerging global market player, has invested in a KODAK FLEXCEL NX Wide 4260 System from Miraclon. Installed at their largest site in Noida, India, the company is utilizing the FLEXCEL NX Technology to drive its own business growth and sustainability efforts, and to respond to a growing demand for FLEXCEL NX Plates from other trade shops and converters.

Parwez Izhar, CEO – Cylinders Business, Uflex Limited, says:“For our in-house packaging printing, FLEXCEL NX Plates enable us to convert an increasing number of jobs from gravure to flexo; underscoring our commitment to produce sustainable flexible packaging without impacting on quality. We also expect to see additional benefit from quicker make-ready times and minimizing wastage by coming to color quicker.”

He adds that the “simple but robust technology portfolio from Miraclon is another big advantage. With FLEXCEL NX Plates, we are able to optimize inventory management and can concentrate on all the different benefits we can achieve with one plate instead of having to use different plates for different jobs.”

The company’s plate-making division also supplies to trade shops and other converters in the region. Izhar concludes: “Many of the companies we supply plates to have been requesting FLEXCEL NX Plates to help them realize better on-press efficiency without impacting the quality of print produced – it’s really been established as the technology of choice for wide web flexible packaging printers. With our own FLEXCEL NX System up and running we can meet that demand and demonstrate its benefits to other customers too. A win-win for everyone.”

CARTES, founded in 1970, is a global label machine manufacturing company, specialist on high value-added products market and pioneer in the development of innovative solutions for the self-adhesive as well as linerless reel to reel web printing finishing and converting processes. 

At Labelexpo Europe 2022 they will be exhibiting and presenting CARTES’ newest technology, the Jet D-Screen unit for digital embellishment, which make easy to create multi-layer effects such as spot coating, complex tactile raise volumes and braille printing as well as very detailed foil and metallic doming transferring.Available for GEMINI and GT360 Series, also allows to personalize & beautify labels in just one-step, with no tooling costs, immediate start-up and no material waste.

In addition there also will be other new technologies on display that includeCartes well knownLaser converting system, available in Single or Double head versions, powered with 350W Semi-Sealed sourcing technology that provides an unlimited lifetime with a constant power and cutting quality, suitable for paper & film as well as for liner-less face stock processing with also all proper gadgets to automate processes, like the Automatic Barcode Reading, Turret Rewinding and the Auto-slitting systems, all them completing a perfect match with roll to roll digital press concept. Images and description of exhibits is as below;

GE362JJ

Digital Embellishment machine powered by two Jet D-Screen units and foil transferring

for metallic doming and detailed foiling.

GT365WSHJR

Finishing and embellishment configuration with Flexo coating, conventional Screen and Hot Stamping applications, Digital Screen printing with Foil transferring for Metallic Doming and Semi-Rotary die-cutting.

GE362 WL

Laser Converting machine with Flexo coating, Automatic job Change Over, Invisible Laser Cutting and Turret Rewinding systems ready for web-to-print processing.

“As the label industry continues to face numerous challenges, it remains increasingly important to stay in close contact with our customers and partners to strengthen each other and Connect to Grow together,” saidAtzeBosma, CEO of MPS. “Labelexpo Europe is ideal to do just that.”

Launch of the EF next generation press: the connected printing solution

At Labelexpo, MPS is debuting their seventh generation EF flexo press, reflecting continuous improvements to offer the best narrow web flexo press in the industry with ultimate productivity through connectivity.

The EF next generation press is now equipped with the slide-out ink drawer as standard, E-Sleeves, improved Job Memory functionality and two automation levels to ensure the highest quality printing with the fastest changeover time between jobs. New to the next generation EF press is the option of a wider 580mm web width.

Value of Connect to Grow in a challenging market

In response to changing needs and market developments in the industry, in 2021 MPS embraced a new corporate vision and brand identity with ‘Connect to Grow’ as its new brand promise. The cornerstone of Connect to Grow is looking beyond the machine through intensive cooperation with customers to address all aspects involving their MPS presses, to help them achieve the best performance and maximum return.

With its MPSConnect platform that combines sensor technology with the internet (IoT), real-time data collection is possible from hundreds of events per second. This unbiased information helps to identify bottlenecks, errors, and inefficiencies to optimize press performance and decrease waste. Visitors to the MPS stand at Labelexpo Europe will learn more about this valuable initiative.

“MPS strongly believes that helping our customers reaches further than supplying the best printing machine,” saidBosma. “Through our MPSConnect connectivity platform we provide customers with the information and tools required to follow best practices and use their machines in the most efficient, standardized, and simple fashion. Sustainable labelling solutions is especially important in this challenging market with recent global supply chain issues of reduced raw material availability and staggering cost increases.”

Joining forces at Automation Arena

Following its previous participation in the Automation Arena in Brussels in 2017 and Chicago in 2018, MPS is again participating in the Automation Arena at Labelexpo Europe and their stand 7A45.

Huzhou, February 16, 2022 – Maxcess, a global leader in innovative products and services for web handling applications, announced the opening of its new RotoMetrics, a Maxcess brand, rotary die-cutting factory in China. The new plant will manufacture and refurbish magnetic cylinders for flexible die applications and solid rotary die tooling. This new state-of-the-art facility will provide customers in China and the Asia Pacific region with better products and convenient localized services.

“This is exciting news for Maxcess,” said Nang Young, VP/GM APAC. “After more than a year of preparation and development, we are very pleased to see magnetic cylinders being produced in Huzhou. Solid rotary dies are also under testing, with full-time production anticipated during the second half of 2022. The pandemic brought great challenges, but with hard work, we overcame difficulties and made the production line run as scheduled. We sincerely look forward to working with customers and partners to produce these products locally so our customers can work better, faster and smarter. ”

With approximately 5000+ square meters of manufacturing space, the new facility will provide products and services for customers in packaging, labeling, rotary processing and other industries.

“Localized production is a win-win strategy,” said Daisy Dai, Operations Director of APAC. “For customers, compared with imported products, the products produced in our Huzhou factory not only have significant value advantages, but also provide faster delivery times. In addition, we can provide customers with services such as refurbishment and maintenance for magnetic cylinders, as well as blade sharpening for solid rotary dies, which will offer convenient maintenance for local customers.”

The Huzhou factory is an important facility in Maxcess’ global manufacturing footprint. To ensure a consistent production process and high manufacturing standards, the main production elements for the Huzhou factory were imported from the United States. In addition, the processes and operating systems, quality management systems, supply chain systems and warehouse systems are consistent with Maxcess’ global standards to guarantee high product quality.