Editor’s welcome | 11L&L looks back (L&L issue 4, 2013)LABELS&LABELING | 77| L&LLABELS&LABELING | 83 52 LABELS&LABELING | 145145FINAT congress Ahlstrom release liners now made by Munksjötakes stockGLOBAL SPECIALIST PAPER GROUP Munksjö is the new owner of Ahlstrom's release liner technologies. DESPITE MINIMAL GROWTH in the overall European label market, FINAT delegates learned that great what appears simple is oftenAndy Thomas reports opportunities are presenting themselves. Andy Thomas reportsthe most diffcult to realizeAhlstrom’s release liners, graphics and packaging activities in Europe At a time when little growth is to be marked recovery in the last two years on frst compiled by EPSMA. But as Lejeune are now a part of the Munksjö group, forming one of the world’s largest seen in the mature markets of Western the back of positive growth in the wider pointed out, it took seven years to reach specialty paper producers. The PSA label industry remains a key strategic Europe, converters need to know where packaging market, said Mägerlein. half of that total and 10 years to reach the focus.the growth opportunities lie and how to ‘For the future we see continued other half – another indicator of slowing Completed on May 27, 2013, the combination of Ahlstrom’s label and prosper in this new landscape. positive growth with the slow recovery rates of growth.[tauruslab.net]processing activities in Europe and Munksjö AB was the frst phase of So it was appropriate that this year’s of the German and European economy, ‘Evidently the label industry did not VISITORS queuing for the opening the transaction. The second phase is expected to take place by end of FINAT congress was held in the while new technologies will offer us new escape the impact of the global fnancial VISITORS throng the aisles at Labelexpo Europe 2011 day of Labelexpo Europe 20112013 for Ahlstrom’s LP activities in Brazil. The new Munkjsö will have southern German city of Munich in close opportunities. But we have to rethink and economic crisis,’ said Lejeune. ‘With approximately 3,000 employees and 15 production facilities in Europe, co-operation with the German label and redesign the products and services consumption levels reaching maturity in abelexpo Europe 2013 is set to widths and up to seven or eight China and Brazil, with pro forma net sales of approximately 1.2 billion association VskE, representing Europe’s we offer as well the way we run our Western Europe, self-adhesive demand be the largest event in the show’s color channels. In addition multiple euros. Munksjö’s Oyj shares are quoted on the Nasdaq OMX Helsinki. most dynamic labeling powerhouse. businesses.’ has become more sensitive to the HERMA’S MAGNIFICENT 33-year history as it returns to press vendors join ETI Jetrion in ‘Customers of the specialty paper industry have growing expectations FOUNDER Paul Beamish with Linerless reels outside VskE has 164 members, of which 97 volatility of consumer behavior.’Belgium on 24-27 September. demonstrating inline laser die-cutting, Ravenwood Packaging's sales and demonstration facilityfrom their suppliers,’ says Daniele Borlatto, president, release liners and are converters, and they made a strong EUROPEAN LABEL MARKETS It is worth noting the widely disparate SEVEN ARRIVE LThe show now occupies seven which is also integrated into more member of the executive management team at Munksjö.showing at the congress. VskE president These cautious remarks were echoed by consumption of PS labels across Europe. halls at Brussels Expo and is on course modular offine fnishing systems. Inkjet A team of seven members of Herma UK ‘They deserve to be properly supported in the implementation of their Robert Mägerlein told delegates that FINAT managing director Jules Lejeune These range from three to four sqm in to cover 31,500 sqm. now makes a mark in the coating and will fnish their epic 300 mile bike ride from business strategies as well as rewarded for their long-lasting loyalty to there are some 450 PS label converters in in his presentation of the association’s Eastern and Southeast Europe to 20 Historically, the Europe edition of the varnishing feld, opening up prospects Herma’s headquarters in Newbury, Berkshire, Ravenwood grows sustainable paper products. To play this role, a specialty paper company Germany, employing 19,000 people and annual market report. sqm in the top consuming countries global Labelexpo series has always for fully variable end to end digital print to the steps of Labelexpo Brussels on the needs size, larger access to capital and dedicated resources to ensure generating sales of 2.4bn euros a year. Lejeune said that last year pressure- of Northwest Europe, with an overall generated great excitement and spurred and converting solutions. morning of the show’s opening. The aim is continuous cost improvement, R&D and sustainability. The new Munksjö The industry is driven by medium sized sensitive consolidated its position as European average of just six to eight real growth and innovation, and this to collect at least £30,000 for the team’s responds perfectly to the future challenges as providing the necessary family-run businesses, with three quarters the leading label decoration technology sqm. nominated charities, including breast cancer year’s show is no exception. As Tarsus • The conventional press synergies.’ of German converters employing less in Europe, with a market share of 45 ‘This indicates signifcant upward linerless marketand the Namuwongo Children’s charity in Labels Group managing director Lisa manufacturers are further refning The new Munksjö operation is organized in four business areas: decor, than 50 people. A further 10 percent percent against 40 percent for wet glue, potential for the label industry in the Africa. Visit www.herma-biketrip.com to make Milburn puts it: ‘Labelexpo continues to their technologies. Offset bounces industrial applications, release liners and graphics and packaging. The employ 50–100, with just 11 percent seven percent for sleeving and three wider Europe,’ said Lejeune. Eastern donations and follow the team’s progress.experience strong growth year on year back in a wide range of guises from release liners and graphics and packaging lines have been brought into employing more than 100 people. Robert percent for in-mold. Europe consumption increased by over WITH INTEREST IN LINERLESS LABELING SYSTEMS GROWING, Ravenwood Packaging has reached a A number of label companies have which is a frm indicator of how buoyant variable sleeve, to ‘short’ inking the company by Ahlstrom and represent new businesses for Munksjö. Mägerlein’s own company is one of But PS consumption across Europe 11 percent in 2012 compared to 2011, sponsored the shirts the team will be wearing, milestone with the sale of its 1,000th machine. Andy Thomas reportsthe label and package printing industry anilox and intermittent, with global Marco Troglia, VP of sales and marketing, release liners, explains: ‘We the core group of successful family-run grew by just 1.7 percent in 2012, barely and with demand now approaching and these include AB Graphic, Alphasonics, is and how much innovation is going launches from the likes of MPS, bring to the new company our broad portfolio of release papers, which businesses. He is the third generation one third of the growth rates seen up to 1.15bn sqm, the region is set to become American Paper & Film, AV Flexologic, Bar on in the marketplace. The number of Omet, Codimag, Rotatek and new Graphic Machinery, BPIF, Edale, EFIA, FINAT, includes very successful innovations such as our Acti-V glassine paper, Cost and environmental pressures are favoring a growing been into bakery clients where the system has been used to managing partner of Euker Drueck, a the middle of the last decade. Europe’s second highest consumer of new working machines, especially in the Chinese player Weifang Donghang; Flint Group, Gallus, GEW, Innovia Films, Mark which enables faster silicone curing and stronger anchorage with less interest in linerless technology, particularly in the fresh foods label cakes both in boxes and clamshell packaging.’60-year-old converter based in Marburg, Total European labelstock consumption PS labels. Another positive growth trend digital area, is higher than ever before. new fexo press launches come from Andy, Nilpeter, Paragon Inks, RotoMetrics, platinum, as well as our new clay-coated release papers developed to sector. Ravenwood Packaging has been at the center of these Although the majority of Ravenwood systems have so far Hessen. in 2012 was 5.78 sqm – double that in comes from innovation in flmic label This gives our visitors the opportunity a list including Nilpeter, Nuova Gidue, TLMI, Xeikon and Zeller+Gmelin are amongst complete the Silco Flat range for very demanding self-adhesive graphics developments since its founding by Paul Beamish in 2004 in been sold into the food market, there is no reason why the The German label industry has seen a 1996 when Europe-wide fgures were technology, which continues to grow at to see the full scope of the industry, Focus and MPS, and show how Master M5 Digital Flexo for Unlimited Substratesthose to sponsor the shirts.applications, such as for instance plotter cut flms. We’ll also keep Norwich, UK, where the linerless applicators are still produced technology cannot be used in non-food as well. In the United something that they would not be able automation is lowering the ‘breakeven’ The new Master M5 introduces the Digital Flexo technology: print and further strengthen our focus on sustainability in the design of new today. States, which is one of Ravenwood’s fastest growing markets, to experience anywhere else.’ point with digital. High defnition fexo pressure and register are controlled by digital “eyes and fngers” (L-R) Marco Troglia, VP sales and marketing, release liners products, in manufacturing processes and services.’The Ravenwood Linerless system has been particularly the system has been used for labeling car accessory products, workfows including plate imaging, plant-wide MIS systems. Gallus and Marco Martinez, product manager, release liners(HD Digital Cameras combined with 7 servo motors per print unit). successful with major UK retailers, including Marks & Spencer, for example.anilox, ink and washing technologies shows an advanced example, Master M5 performs the shortest set up time and a digitally controlled RECYCLING INITIATIVESTesco, Sainsbury, ASDA, Morrisons, Waitrose and The Co-op. KEY HIGHLIGHTSboost the quality of these machines to integrating its Heidelberg Linoprint To answer the challenges of silicone coated release liner waste The ability of the system to pack with paper, card and flm all FAVORABLE ENVIRONMENTquality on labels, aluminum foils, sleeves, carton, laminated tubes levels approaching offset and gravure. L digital press, ECS340 fexo press LINER PRODUCT RANGE management, Ahlstrom launched at the end of 2012 a recycling through the same applicator has meant that value, standard In its report ‘The Linerless Label Market 2013’, Alexander and the most diffcult substrates. • Advances in toner technologies, and ECS ‘C’ digital converting unit Munksjö release liners include supercalandered and clay-program, which offers free of charge collection of the used paper liners and premium products can all be packed down the same Watson Associates (AWA) states that linerless pressure-sensi-including the frst showing of HP • This may be fairly regarded as the into a seamless workfow. Automated coated release papers for a range of market segments.at end-users, retailers or printers. Paper liners are taken to the Ahlstrom production line at different times during the same day, simply tive labels are enjoying a resurgence of interest in a packaging Qualitaly!Indigo’s dedicated B2 package Labelexpo show when LED-UV ganging of different jobs on digital The Acti-V supercalendered release papers range from Osnabrück plant in North Western Germany, where they are recycled into by changing the material. This fexibility and quick changeover marketplace characterized by cost and environmental printing presses, the 20000 for labels curing comes of age. Mark Andy presses – particularly combined 50 to 140 gsm and are available in six colors. Suitable means that average line speeds are maintained and waste pressures. Explains AWA’s Jackie Marolda: ‘The environmental the production of double-layer specialty papers. Thanks to this program, and fexible packaging and 30000 demonstrates a Performance P3 with laser die-cutting – is now made for silicone coating on one or both sides, they are used minimized. benefts of linerless go beyond just a reduction of the amount paper liners can be collected in Germany, Belgium, Netherlands and for cartons, both with new inline press running with its ProLED system simple using new software from Esko as backing for PSA labelstock rolls and for double-sided ‘Most of the meat, fsh and poultry in store is now packed of material used by eliminating the liner. The enhanced benefts Luxembourg. Munksjö will be taking this program forward.fnishing systems from ABG/Edale and Flint EkoCure LED inks. A wider and leading edge MIS vendors.adhesive tapes, PSA materials and components. With using a linerless label,’ confrms Paul Beamish. ‘The packers are the elimination of that material ending up in landfll, the Munksjö release papers are manufactured in fve production sites – two and Tresu respectively; on the Xeikon support structure for LED curing is Acti-V, the release paper plays an active role in silicone need the higher line speeds and the improvements in factory ability to get more labelstock on a roll and reduce weight and in France and one each in Germany, Italy and Brazil. All sites have ISO stand look out for the new ICE now growing Siegwerk showing new • Cool running presses, curing and anchorage. Curing is faster and requires less effciencies to remain competitive, and meet the supply targets bulk, lowering transportation costs and storage requirements.’ 14001 environmental management systems as well as chain-of-custody toner technology which allows the LED inks running on a Gallus EM280 food-contact ink systems and catalyst. Anchorage is stronger and more stable even in they are set.’ Ravenwood’s Nobac range of applicators are capable of certifcations that enable the supply of FSC and/or PEFC certifed papers. presses for the frst time to print on press and new LED system launches servo tension control open up new challenging environments, says the manufacturer.Recent installations have seen linerless moving into retailers’ applying labels at speeds of up to 150 packs per minute ‘The company aims to further discuss at Labelexpo Europe how heat-sensitive substrates. by ITL/IST. opportunities for label converters Silco clay-coated release papers, ranging from 50 to produce areas, with certain varieties of tomatoes, mushrooms dependent on label size and format. The applicator and printer innovative paper companies can play a key role in lowering the to diversify into fexible packaging 180 gsm, are targeted at a wide range of PSA applications and peppers now being packed this way, and Beamish believes can be linked to scales to do variable weight products as well environmental impact of the PSA label industry,’ says Marco Troglia. It will • Inkjet technologies on show run • All these developments are and even cartons on both digital including graphics and PSA labels in sheet format. The more products will follow. as fxed weight packs, and the software allows for a product be frst time the company has exhibited under the Munksjö brand; it will the full gamut from UV, UV-LED, supported by leaps forward in the and conventional presses. Short run Silco Flat range is targeted at demanding self-adhesive ‘The Ravenwood applicators are sensitive enough to handle verifcation system to be linked in, which prevents the applicator WINNERS of the student FINAT congress' logo design competition inaugurated be located in hall 6, booth 6I100.water-based and dye-based automation of pre-press workfows converting systems are following Come and visit us! Booth Q20 Hall11graphics applications, such as for plotter cut flms.by Aydin Okay (R), chairman of Turkish Label Association Walker, FINAT presidentKURT fragile products as well, and recent applicator installations have from applying the wrong label to the wrong product.technologies, with wider machine and integration via JDF/JMF into quickly behind.LABELS&LABELINGSEPTEMBER 2013 L&L ||SEPTEMBER 2013 L&L |SEPTEMBER 2013 L&L P52 Andy Thomas reported P77 L&L reported that P83 L&L reported on the rise of P145 L&L reported on on the Finat congress in Ahlstrom’s European linerless technology in response Labelexpo Europe 2013. Key Munich, Germany. Dominated operations merged with to cost and environmental highlights included advances in by family-run, medium-sized Munksjö, creating one of the pressures in the fresh foods toner and inkjet technologies enterprises, Germany world’s largest specialty paper sector. Ravenwood Packaging and LED-UV curing. The event emerged as Europe’s leading producers, and highlighted led this shift with a fexible spotlighted growing trends force in labeling. Amidst the Munksjö’s commitment to system widely adopted by in the label printing industry stagnation of mature Western innovation and sustainability major retailers. Its application and debuted groundbreaking European markets, German in a signifcantly restructured demonstrated the potential for machines. At the core of its converters were highlighted for specialty paper industry, and other industries. theme was simply: innovation.strategies for fnding growth placed a strong emphasis on opportunities. release liners.Back to BrusselsEditor’s notehen Labelexpo packaging trends. Conductive “Labelexpo Europe arrives at a time Europe 2023 returns Blue Luxor is metalized to Brussels Expo – and ultra-glossy and had Wwhen automation, sustainability the frst time since 2019 – it will sustainability features.unleash four years of pent-up Hot stamping dies were and product diversifcation are technology development and provided by Hinderer + coming together”innovation for the global label Mühlich. The design includes industry. nanoembossing effects Labelexpo Europe arrives including technology from Xeikon. Turn to page 100 for a for a unique front cover. In at a time when automation, Dantex, Domino, Gallus, HP comprehensive preview of all nanoembossing, only the sustainability and product Indigo and Konica Minolta on the technology on site. surface of the hot stamping diversifcation are coming show. In other news, we are transfer product is modifed, together, and this year promises Flexible packaging will be grateful to have the support of while the printing stock remains to deliver. a major theme, with event Leonhard Kurz once again for unchanged for limitless design After an absence in 2022, organizers hosting a fexible this beautifully embellished options.fexo manufacturers are packaging trail that takes on cover design. Kurz has been This issue of the magazine making a return with Bobst, both digital and conventional supporting the cover of Labels and should be used as a guide Etirama, Lombardi, Mark Andy, press technologies, along & Labeling as a platform to to help you navigate Labelexpo. Nilpeter and Omet all bringing with material constructions, showcase its eye-catching L&L looks forward to seeing you narrow and mid-wed fexo decoration options, migration embossing materials and hot there.technology to the show foor. testing and more. stamping technology.It will also be an exciting year This is alongside a new wave The Kurz material used for digital technology, with of digital technologies for on this L&L cover was a the innovations launched in fexible packaging that will be Conductive Blue Luxor 110684 and was chosen by the design launched this year, from the Chicago last year, taking center Chelsea McDougallteams to refect current likes of HP Indigo, Screen and stage at the Europe show, Group managing editor Jul - Sep 2023