Ravenwood linerless bring big-screen ‘live’ demos to Chicago
environmental labelling engineers or ‘Raveneers’ set out for US adventure to showcase
linerless labelling technology
Linerless labelling specialist Ravenwood Packaging will be showcasing its ‘complete package’ of converting and labelling technology at LabelExpo in Chicago (stand 1437) covering coating, labelling and the development of the ultimate materials and adhesives to produce seamless lines. The flexible adhesive-backed labels are now regularly used as the eco-friendly replacement for traditional labels that carry waste-creating backing paper. The increase in use of linerless labelling systems comes from the numerous sustainability initiatives around the world; and from pressure from consumers and environmental lobby groups.
The company will be demonstrating its coating and application machines to the largest label and package printing audience in the Americas – the United States is the largest single market with 29% of global consumption. In addition to the traditional markets of the US and Canada, the show is attracting a significant number of visitors from the fast-developing Latin American market.
On a bright and welcoming green-field stand, an Audio-Visual ‘expo-wall’ will roll out ‘live’ big-screen footage of Ravenwood Packaging’s Comac 500 coating machines in action running pre-printed webs. The Comac 500, running at speeds of up to 95m/min, will be taking printed master reels and making them ready for use on the company’s Nobac applicators – two of which will also be featured at the show. The Nobac 125 is an applicator which is bringing linerless labelling to the mass market; and the Nobac 500 Sleever for applying sleeves in five formats, varying from C-wrap and full wrap, to packs for chilled foods and convenience meals. The Nobac 500 handles up to 180 packs/minute.
Ravenwood supplies a range of specialist labels and packaging machines worldwide including those being used by a growing number of manufacturers in the US including Uncle Charley’s Sausage Company, Gold ‘n’ Plump Poultry and Hatfield Quality Meats. Ravenwood’s Michael Peart is overseeing the supply of labelling and sleeving systems across the US and Latin America.
Speaking about Ravenwood’s steady-growth within the US market, founder and MD Paul Beamish said: ‘The label and package printing sector in the US is now becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of linerless labels. They bring less waste, less downtime when changing rolls as linerless rolls contain twice as many labels in the same diameter as the self-adhesive equivalent and reduced transport costs. Just this one change can make a difference to a manufacturer’s costs and sustainability rating which is why there is so much current interest in the technology.’
‘Linerless labelling is perfect for food packaging and linerless wraparounds are ideal for bottles and so the majority of our machines go to supplying the food and drink sector – and now including fresh produce and bakery products - but we are moving into other areas too including healthcare, household, motor care and toiletries. We engineer ‘greener’ applicators and coaters which are taking ground from conventional labelling systems. The applicators are mega-flexible. They can pack paper, card and film, so different packs can be packed during a day simply by changing the material used.’
Ravenwood Packaging has just launched two new products ‘slideable’ labels which are made from thicker materials up to 300gsm. These are linerless labels that can be applied automatically by Nobac 500 applicators. Unlike conventional linerless labels they slide on the pack allowing the customers to view the product inside. The ‘slideable’ labels which can be produced 500mm x 200mm are ‘sleeves’ with a difference in that they come on a roll. They offer the advantages of lightweighting and automation.
Also new for 2014 is ‘skin pack’ labelling which can now also be produced by Nobac linerless labelling machines. The main benefit of skin pack technology is that various products can be packed in fewer trays as the product can be applied to fit to a standard tray which can simply incorporate large and smaller items. A major benefit of Ravenwood Packaging’s new ‘skin pack’ line is that they have formulated the optimum material for ‘super-protruding’ packs to include exceptionally bulky items such as roasting joints.
The company provides an all-inclusive, top quality service through a network of partners comprising suppliers Antalis, Innovia, Henkel, Evonik and Arjo Wiggins; printers including Conver, Hub, Paragon, Reflex, St Luc, Le Mac; and worldwide agents including Packaging Solutions and Wexler Packaging (USA). Other partnerships are in place in neighbouring Latin America where new legislation is proactively driving the move towards backingless labels.
Most of Ravenwood Packaging’s partners will attend the show and there will be a visitor incentive
on offer for visitors who stop-by all 5 stands - including Ravenwood Packaging, Innovia, Evonik, Ricoh and Henkel – to find out more about linerless labelling (more details to follow nearer the show).
Ends
For further details contact Alison Baker at Madhouse PR on 01284 830321
or email madhousepr@aol.com or Paul Beamish at Ravenwood UK on 07989 561718 or 01284 or +44 (0)1284 749144 paul@ravenwood.co.uk or Michael Peart at Ravenwood USA on +1678 488 5434 mpeart@windstream.net
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