Brussels show piques interest on label technology

There is growth in the pharmaceutical and FMCG markets; mega trends indicate that there’s a need to use greater design elements to increase shelf labels, even as buyers are seeking limited editions, targeted campaigns and personalisation on global scale.

 

In India, flexo is the process of choice with the label printers. And we have seen a strong shift in the market, where converters are now opting for eight- to ten-colour presses.

 

But there’s digital, with its ability to print larger volumes and shorter run lengths, will arouse the interest of the Indian labellers. So you will have the like of HP, Durst, Xeikon and a host of other presses demonstrating the power of digital.

 

And for those who think that digital alone is not a feasible option, hybrid press concept is set to return as a force for the label printers.  

 

Gallus will show its DCS 340, Omet its JetFlex, Mark Andy its Digital series and Edale-FFEI will show the new Graphium. These are presses where digital and conventional print and converting operations are carried out in one pass.

 

What does the hybrid models offer? According to Andy Thomas of Labels & Labelling, it offers an excellent solution, where digital print delivers the required print without having to wait for inline converting to be set up, there by optimizing job turnaround time, lowers cost and increases productivity for high volume jobs.

 

At the show one will see inline finishing as an option, one where use of laser die-cutting without need to change die-cutting plates will come into play. There will be a range of finishing systems, including kits from digital manufacturers, who have added inline finishing as an option. “One will see laser die-cutting added to create a fully variable converting system that will eliminate the need to change die-cutting plates,” said Thomas. Durst, EFI and Domino are some of such manufacturers.

 

“Besides the world of narrow-web presses, digital and hybrid, one will also find options for offline finishing, whether offset or flexo, which greatly increases printing efficiency; fast die-change over systems and options for presses to print thinner PS label construction with offline converting,” said Thomas.

 

Labelexpo Europe 2015 will indeed be driven by technology, which will allow label printers to pursue new opportunities and evolve their business.

 

My colleague Rahul Kumar (rahul@haymarket.co.in) and I (noel@haymarket.co.in) will be travelling to Brussels to attend the Labelexpo Europe show. We will be more than happy to meet and interact.