Executive Summit to address critical issues facing the European label community

FINAT, the European label industry association, has released the programme for its seventh European Label Forum, and its 64th annual conference overall. The event will be held from 1-3 June at the Grand Hotel Dino in Baveno, along the borders of Lago Maggiore (Italy).

The 2022 edition of the ‘ELF’ is FINAT’s first live event since June 2019, when Copenhagen hosted the event. The 2020 edition had to be cancelled, while the ELF 2021 had to take place entirely online due to the Covid19 Pandemic.

FINAT Managing Director Jules Lejeune is very pleased that FINAT’s flagship event is now back on the road. “Since we launched the new conference format in 2015, the European Label Forum has developed into THE annual executive summit for the European label community, where business leaders from the value chain gather to network, learn and engage in dialogue on matters of strategic importance to the industry.”

Opportunity to reconnect in person

“A lot has changed since the Pandemic in the way organisations connect, communicate and collaborate, and FINAT is no exception. But one thing hasn’t changed, and that’s the need for in-person contact to establish and maintain connections, build relationships and develop a mutual understanding. Without networking, informal discussions and non-verbal communication, the world will always remain a passive 2D experience. After 3 years of forced inactivity, our members are desperate to meet each other again and renew their contacts with peers from around Europe, especially now that Labelexpo Europe has been postponed. We have made sure to select a venue that has proven to provide the right setting to create the conditions for positive business dynamics.”

Critical issues and opportunities facing the label industry

The ELF 2022 comes at a time when the European label industry is facing crucial challenges, both in the short and medium-term. In the early months of the Pandemic back in 2020, the label industry passed the ‘stress test’ of excess demand (for critical products in food, personal care and medical products), combined with disruptions in raw materials supply and workforce availability. In 2021, the sector peaked again, this time because of the rapid economic recovery following the Covid recession.

And now, in 2022, the sector is facing an unprecedented ‘perfect storm’ of shortages of components, raw materials and consumables, compounded by local strikes; shortages of skilled labour and talent ready for the digital transformation; accelerated consolidation combined with abundant capital availability and succession challenges; opportunities and challenges associated with changing consumer behaviour and e-commerce; the challenges of Industry 4.0 and Big Data; the EU Green Deal and its associated tsunami of legislation, regulations and industry guidelines to advance the transition towards the Circular Economy; and, since the end of February, the global political and economic uncertainty associated with the war in Ukraine.

Compared to previous editions, this year’s programme brings together no less than six expert panels and numerous expert presentations addressing the above topics and more. Of course, these formats allow for maximum interaction and exchange for all participants.

FINAT President Philippe Voet concludes: “The primary role of FINAT has always been to provide a meeting platform for members and to support members by addressing matters that cannot be tackled individually. We are at a crucial turning point, and our industry has to stand together and leverage our collective know-how and expertise and navigate the future of labels. If there was ever a reason to attend the European Label Forum, it is in June 2022. I look forward to seeing everyone in Baveno.”

More details and registration links can be found on the event website.

Climate-neutral production from 2023 on and achievement of full climate neutrality by 2030—this is the strategic sustainability goal of Schreiner Group based in the district of Munich. As a result, the internationally oriented family-owned company for innovative high-tech labels and functional parts assumes a pioneering role in German industry.

Photovoltaic systems are installed on the parking garage roofs, insect-friendly wildflower verges benefit the company’s own bee colonies, charging stations for electric vehicles are available on the plant premises, and the most recently erected facility is a completely climate-neutral “green building”—even from the outside it is clear that Schreiner Group does a lot for the environment. “But in recent years, we have even clearly achieved a lot more,” says Dr. Thomas Gulden, who is in charge of the family-owned company’s environmental management. “We succeeded in reducing CO2 emissions by 70 percent and our share of renewable energies amounts to more than 55 percent. Furthermore, we purchase only green electricity at our German locations.”

Now Schreiner Group has set itself an ambitious goal. “By manufacturing sustainable products, we intend to achieve climate-neutral production from 2023 on and full climate neutrality by 2030.” This is the strategic sustainability goal that the manufacturer of smart labels and functional parts has adopted. For this purpose, the company has concentrated and optimized all actions for CO2 reduction and energy efficiency, for resource conservation and avoidance of waste, as well as for compliance with corporate governance and protection of human rights.

Numerous actions are being taken to further enhance energy efficiency and to further increase the use of renewable energies—from optimizing air conditioning systems to switching to LED lighting to expansion of electric mobility. Obviously, the company is paying particular attention to its products: CO2 emissions can already be significantly reduced today by using sustainable materials such as recycled ones instead of petroleum-based plastics. All sustainable products can be identified by the “Integrated Sustainability” logo. In addition, Schreiner Group reduces its amount of annual waste by nearly 300 metric tons as a result of recycling activities. Compliance with social standards is regulated in the company’s code of conduct and subject to regular reviews—including supplier compliance.

“Our strategic sustainability goal does not pay lip service to sustainability,” says CEO Roland Schreiner. “For us, climate protection, social sustainability, and environmental fairness are a matter of social responsibility that we, as a company, want to and have to live up to. As a family-owned business we have always understood our responsibility for our employees, our partners, and for our region. This is a responsibility we have for future generations as well.”

Dr. Gulden explains the process of developing Schreiner Group’s strategic sustainability goal: “We started by defining our key action fields.” For Schreiner Group, these are climate protection, our own products, and our sustainability system. “We then matched the demands of our stakeholders with these action fields, created a roadmap, and defined actions to be taken. All individual goals and all actions are found in our strategic sustainability goal.” Climate neutrality by 2030 is an ambitious goal—but one with a clear plan.

As a result of Russian aggression against Ukraine, the geopolitical situation in Europe has permanently changed. This has wide-reaching human, political and economic implications in Europe and the situation is evolving rapidly. Our primary concern are the people suffering from the war. UPM is providing support to its employees in the affected areas. We have also started providing humanitarian and material support to Ukraine this week.

UPM will cease its deliveries to Russia for the time being. UPM businesses will keep the Russian customers and suppliers informed of the situation. While the forest industry is not directly targeted by the international sanctions at the moment, sanctions against the financial sector may impact UPM’s or its customers’ businesses and transactions in Russia. The full impact of the current and possible new sanctions and counter-sanctions will be known only as the situation evolves. UPM monitors the situation closely and makes decisions accordingly.

UPM has employees, customers and suppliers in both countries but UPM’s exposure to Russian and Ukranian markets is limited. UPM Raflatac has a distribution terminal in the Kyiv region with 13 employees. The terminal operations have been closed until further notice. In Russia, UPM employs 800 persons most of whom work at the Chudovo plywood mill. The operations are currently running as usual. UPM’s sales to Russia and Ukraine combined was approximately 2 % of UPM’s total sales in 2021. Assets in Russia are less than 1 % of the group total. In 2021, less than 10 % of UPM’s wood sourcing to Finland originated from Russia.

Tarsus Group, organizer of the Labelexpo Global Series, has today announced that Labelexpo Europe
2022 has been rescheduled, with the event now taking place 11-14 September 2023. The organizing
team has made the decision to move the event dates in light of the significant supply chain pressures
the European label industry is currently experiencing coupled with the fast-evolving situation in
Ukraine.
The decision comes on the back of close consultation with exhibitors, associations and the wider
industry, with many directly impacted by the shortage of components and materials. These
shortages, triggered by the pandemic, have been escalating over recent months with long lead times
now disrupting the supply chain in Europe. With the event set to take place in just under two
months’ time the lack of forward visibility led the event team to reschedule in the best interests of
the label community.
Lisa Milburn, Labelexpo managing director, explained: “Firstly, I’d like to acknowledge the support
we have had from the industry with many committing to Labelexpo Europe in spite of the issues
many of them are currently dealing with, we know the decision to reschedule the show will be as
disappointing for them as it is for us. This has been a very difficult decision for us to make, we have
been working tirelessly to overcome the supply chain issues and produce the show the industry
needs, especially in light of the challenges of the past two years. Unfortunately these issues have
proven to be insurmountable at this stage so we feel that rescheduling is the responsible decision to
make.”
Jules Lejeune, managing director, FINAT, also commented: “FINAT fully understands and supports
the decision that has been taken. Given the existing shortages of chips and components, the current
shortages of paper and other consumables to produce labels, and now the major geopolitical
uncertainties caused by the situation in Ukraine, there are simply too many hurdles to overcome.
FINAT remains a proud supporter of the world’s leading trade exhibition for the label and package
printing industry. We admire our longstanding partner Labelexpo for taking this extremely difficult
decision, and for putting the interests of the industry first.”
Given the rescheduling of Labelexpo Europe the next major global event for the package printing
industry will be Labelexpo Americas which will take place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention
Center, Chicago, 13-15 September 2022. Other upcoming Labelexpo events this year include
Labelexpo Asia (28 June-1 July), Labelexpo India (10-13 November) and Labelexpo South China (7-9
December).End –
For further information about Labelexpo, please contact:
Paul Connelly, marketing director, Labelexpo Global Series at pconnelly@labelexpo.com

Domino Digital Printing Solutionsis delighted to share three new 3D animated videos that have been created highlighting thesophisticated intelligentTechnologyi-Tech features that are incorporated withinthe versatile, high speedDominoK600i digital inkjet printer.Combining excellent productivity with 600dpi print quality, the cost effective, modular K600i is capable of printing variable data onto a wide range of substrates for a variety of both sheet and web applications including printing onto labels, mail pieces, tags, tickets, forms and security products at speeds of up to 200m/min(650ft/min).

Watch these videos and discover how Domino’s unique, automated,i-Tech componentsActiFlow, CleanCap and StitchLinkcombine to create a flexible and highly reliable digital printing system with superior performance that requires minimal maintenance.

The i-Tech ActiFlowcontinuous ink circulation system degasses the ink preventing air bubbles and blocked nozzles for superior jetting performance, resulting in less rejects, less maintenance and reduced downtime; the revolutionaryi-Tech CleanCapautomatedprint head cleaning and capping station maintains optimumreliable print nozzle performance, with reduced start-up time and minimal operator intervention; and i-TechStitchLinkoffers automated print head alignment for accurate registrationand seamless print across the full web print width.

These3D animation videos can be viewed at the links below:

Domino K600i i-TechActiFlow:https://domino-na.wistia.com/medias/7923k4i950Domino K600i i-TechCleanCap: https://domino-na.wistia.com/medias/6kakp0x8i4

Domino K600i i-TechStitchLink:https://domino-na.wistia.com/medias/5q485b6fpo

The K600i is based on Domino’s proven and reliable Generation 6 inkjet technology, of which there are approaching 1000 global installations. To find out more about this versatile, monochrome UV digital inkjet printer, visit the K600i product page at:https://go.domino-printing.com/PRJan22iTechK600i

Proven and reliable technology is just one of the cornerstones of The Domino Difference. Come and visit us on Booth No 9A60 at Labelexpo Europe and experience The Domino Difference for yourself. Domino will be hosting daily live demonstrations of the K600i at this event which is taking place at Brussels Expo from Tuesday 26–Friday 29April 2022.

Sei Laser, a leading company in laser technology for the graphic arts, self-adhesive labels, and packaging sectors, will participate in the 2022 edition of Labelexpo Europe. The stand will display the company’s flagship Labelmaster in both 350mm narrow-web and 600 mm medium-web versions.

Labelmaster is a modular system which can be configured for both roll to roll and roll to sheet digital die cutting, running at speeds up to 100m/min.

“We can say that Labelmaster has become a “classic” in digital die-cutting at Labelexpo, with hundreds of customers using our technology every day,” says Ettore Colico, Converting Director at Sei Laser. “This makes us particularly proud. Our digital cutting and finishing system is now mature and perfectly tailored to the needs of visitors. Sei Laser strongly wanted to be present in Brussels, especially after a forced period of “rest” at the trade fair. We feel it is our duty to send a positive message to the market. We will showcase the best-selling and most appreciated Label master configurations: we want to be “concrete” and show visitors the typical equipment used by our many customers.” says Ettore Colico, Converting Director at Sei Laser.

Groundbreaking software mitigates artifacts in the inkjet printing process

Cambridge UK 10 February, 2022: Global Graphics Software, a Hybrid Software Group (Euronext: HYSG) company, has been granted a US patent for “Systems and methods for printer density compensation and stability” (Patent 11,167,549) by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The patent relates to the technology which underlies PrintFlat™, Global Graphics’ groundbreaking software that improves uniformity and removes unwanted banding from inkjet output, enabling digital production of a wide range of products including wide format graphics, flooring and décor, laminates, and packaging.

 Global Graphics Software is a developer of innovative software components for digital print including the Harlequin RIP^®, the Direct range, and ScreenPro™, the fastest solutions on the market for driving data through digital presses and ensuring high quality output.

 Mike Rottenborn, CEO of Hybrid Software Group, explains, “We are delighted that this invention has been recognized with a US patent.  It is a truly innovative solution which enables inkjet press manufacturers to obtain uniformity and stability without sacrificing one over the other, giving them greater freedom in how they design and optimize their printing systems.  Its value has been proven in production by our customers for nearly five years, and we believe that this patent will encourage other inkjet manufacturers to implement PrintFlat in their solutions.”

 PrintFlat software masks the banding or unwanted patterning in inkjet printing that is caused by variations in inkjet printheads that jet ink onto a printing surface.  It also compensates for manufacturing differences between new printheads.  PrintFlat is quick to deploy, cost-effective and can be added to any inkjet press already out in the field.  Problems can be particularly acute in large format printing as well as décor applications such as wallpaper and flooring and certain colours are more susceptible to visual imperfection than others.  The advantage to print service providers is that they can print more jobs digitally than previously and offer a wider range of printed products to their customers. PrintFlat has been welcomed by the industrial inkjet and graphic community. In 2019 it received a Printing Industries of America Technology Award for its innovation and potential to significantly impact the industry.

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.”