 |
| Ray Stanton Avery |
It is a time in the evolution of
label producing technologies when development is taking place globally towards
various tangents. Until the 1930s, wet glue was perhaps the only technology for
label production and application. When in 1936 Ray Stanton Avery created the
self adhesive label, another process evolved and started to grow so much so
that in recent times the usage of self adhesive or pressure sensitive labels
reached a level of almost 50% of all the labels produced. Screen printing is a
very old technology, with evolution and further development of this process into
other applications somewhere in the 1960s, when plastic containers started
replacing the heavy glass containers in packaging consumer products, screen
printing directly on containers became popular. This could not really be
classified as a mass usage technique as it lacked the decoration capabilities
that were fast becoming the need of increasing consumerism. Initially flat bed
letterpress and then flexo rotary printing presses with in line die cutting
provided a good platform for producing multi-coloured labels at faster speeds. Introduction
of more decorating processes like varnishing, lamination and foiling on these
presses made the screen printing on containers loose ground even though screen
printing evolved and grew in other application.
 |
| Flatbed label press |
Over the next three decades
narrow web label production saw landmark changes. Flexography saw immense
technological advancements. Print quality improved tremendously and PSA
(Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) label markets started to register amazing growth
and proliferation. The printing and converting speeds which, in the initial
years was 10-15 meters per minute on flat bed letterpress Japanese machines of
5-7 inches width had grown initially to 10 inches which later increased to be 13
inches to 20 inches and more. The printing and converting machines have also
registered increase in speed, the new label presses are running at over 200
meters per minute. Ink technologies have also seen rapid changes. From the
thick paste inks in letterpress to liquid inks in flexo printing. Drying
techniques also changed drastically. In the initial days printers would hang
paper web after printing on a clothes line to dry and then manually re-roll the
labels. Then came the time when hot air drying was introduced on presses to
increase speed. With introduction of UV inks the speeds shot up tremendously.
As production speeds increased, number of printers also increased bringing
intense competition. The need to reduce wastage and energy became an imperative
to stay profitable. New changes and processes started to emerge on presses. The
short web path, continuous production, inline inspection, and host of other
changes were taking place in label presses. Introduction of LED UV inks is
another step towards conservation of energy. Need for short runs, variable data
printing and the speed of creation from computer to print made digital printing
to also grow and evolve.
 | |
| Hybrid label press |
In the beginning of a new
millennium, to stay ahead of competition, label printers started to invest in
hybrid machines with capabilities to print and convert with multiple
technologies. Different printing technologies are now possible on the same equipment.
Screen printing re-emerged in label printing machines with rotary screens,
where high deposition of colour is needed. Gravure printing is also now a part
of a label printing press where metallic inks are to be printed. Today presses
are available with Flexo, Offset, Gravure, digital and Screen printing inline
on the same press along with decorating and finishing like varnishing,
lamination, embossing/debossing, die cutting, waste matrix removal, slitting
sheeting in a single pass. The label presses have further evolved to have
multi-substrate printing and converting capabilities. They are now capable of
handling from films of 12 micron thickness to thick boards. These equipment are
now able to produce a wide range of end products like labels, flexible
packaging, shrink sleeves, lamitubes and folding cartons.
Labelexpo Europe has been the
front runner in showcasing the evolving label printing and converting
technologies. Over the years it has acquired the status of being the Mecca of
label industry. It remains the must-attend show for label printers spread
across the world. Global suppliers of equipment, tooling, consumables, software, other
related material and service providers exhibit their products alongwith new
developments made by them at this premium show. This year 650 exhibitors will
showcase their offerings at Labelexpo 2017. At the last showing in 2015, 31795
visitors came from 158 countries to witness the labels evolution taking place
and showcased in 7 halls that have now increased to 9 halls. Digital label
printing and converting that had miniscule presence some years ago is now
spread in dedicated halls with 65 digital presses in operation. The show has
grown from strength to more strength over the years. It has now become the must
attend show for the global label printing and packaging companies. The story in
India is no different, as one the fastest growing economies in the world, the
label industry also is growing at a healthy and steady pace. Indian label
printers have started to patronize this expo in growing numbers that keep
swelling in every showing of this premium event. In an effort to assess the
mood of the leading label companies in India I have asked them about their
interest in the event or what motivates them to be there and maybe about their
intention to buy.
 |
| Arvind Shekhar |
Planning to
visit Labelexpo Europe for the first time, South India Bangalore based Arvind
Shekhar Director of Sai Packaging says, “Yes I will attend Labelexpo, It will
be my first visit and I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn.” Also planning
to visit first time is Himanshu Kapur, Director of J K Fine Prints Pvt. Ltd.
Mumbai. He is son of past President of LMAI, a veteran of label industry, Surendra
Kapur. Himanshu feels it is necessary to be at the show since no one wants to
be left behind in the technology race for achieving perfection. His views are
reaffirmed by Uday Lodha, Director Barcom Ltd. Mumbai. He says “I will
attend Labelexpo because I have missed out on last two occasions and being
part of the label fraternity I can’t afford to do that this time around and of
course I look forward to connect with friends, colleagues and associates under
one roof which is brimming with world class innovation and supreme
technological advancements”. Rajendra Gandhi, Director Maharshi Labels Pvt. Ltd. Ahmedabad states that the event cannot be missed as we must attend to gain knowledge and update ourself.
Changing scenario in the global label industry has made many
printing companies to sit up and study
the developments taking place. No other
event in today’s time brings together the complete gamut of changes happening
in the label industry globally. Mukesh Goel, Director, Gopsons Papers Ltd. New Delhi wishes
to understand the technological advancements and future direction
of this industry. Y H Solanki, Managing Director Sicon Packs Pvt.
Ltd. Mumbai expresses
that it is the biennial knowledge point for understanding the evolution of
labels and the direction it is going in. The Indian industry is convinced that
it is time to make strategic decision to restructure or plan their moves for
leading their companies to new directions and excel. Hyderabad headquartered
Pragati Pack has been in the fore front of industry constituents who are consistently
investing in emerging technologies. They have never missed a Labelexpo for many
years. Though the CEO of Pragati Group and industry stalwart Narendra Paruchuri
is not attending but heading their label business his son Hemanth Paruchuri
Director, Pragati Pack (India) Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad will attend and he says “It is an important show that gives insights
into trends in the industry and also showcases the latest technology”. Jaideep Singh Owner Zodiac Printers also from Hyderabad expressed that
it is a melting POT of all new innovations from across the globe. To be there is
necessary for us to understand and assimilate, which enables us to plan our
future strategy.
 | |
| Hemanth Paruchuri |
With India attracting the
interest of global players in labels and packaging notable investments have
taken place mostly as acquisition of running successful enterprises by
companies like Huhtamaki, Skanem, ITW, etc. Amar Chhajed President Huhtamaki PPL Ltd. says, "We will be studying the latest developments in digital printing and finishing as well as new age technologies like EB curing. Sustainable raw material is also an area of special interest to us".
Hariharan Venkataraman Managing Director, Skanem Interlabels Industries
Mumbai- India will
attend Labelexpo to catch a glimpse of the frontiers of labeling technology.
 |
| Raveendran of Seljegat |
Exhibitors are always on the lookout of printers who will take purchase
decisions. Raveendran Managing Director of Sel-Jegat Printers PrivateLimited, at Sivakasi in South India will attend Label Expo Europe at
Brussels. They propose to finalise a machine with latest technology for the
production of special labels as well as for the packaging line. They also
intend spending more time on the digital printing equipment to understand and
subsequently invest in the same. Dinesh Mahajan Managing Director Prakash labels says, "The expo will provide us with a platform for important buying decisions.". Harish Gupta, Director Sai Com Codes Flexoprints Pvt. Ltd. Rai Distt. Sonepat NCR
Delhi said “We intend
to line up with new technology and to finalise two more lines for our new
expansion”. Recently concluded LMAI conference titled “Innovations Simplified”
left an indelible mark on the minds of the label fraternity attending the event.
Tejas Tanna, Director Printmann Group Mumbai, India asserts that to keep
up with the latest trends in the label industry and to identify simplified
solutions to improve production efficiency, he will attend this exhibition.
 |
| Sandeep Zaveri |
 | |
| Manish Desai |
Networking at
such events brings about comradeship amongst global label industry printers and
suppliers. It builds bridges of friendship that leave lasting memories for
industry members to look forward to and to return to the show in its next edition. Kuldip
Goel, Managing Director Anygraphics Noida, U.P. is convinced that Labelexpo is not
just an eye opener to the future trends, it also brings the global label
fraternity a lot closer. It provides amazing networking opportunities. Manish Desai of Mudrika Labels Pvt Ltd Mumbai India and past
President LMAI says "Label Expo delivers endless knowledge and networking opportunities
with fellow label printers and suppliers.
Written by Harveer Sahni, Chairman
Weldon Celloplast Limited, New Delhi India August 2017
Printing
magazines and publications may reproduce this article giving credit to
author.
For advertising on this blog please email to harveersahni@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment