Empack 2021: Labeling and coding innovations target material reductions and machine downtimes

10 Sep 2021 --- The power of labeling and coding applications in packaging were highlighted at this year’s Empack. PackagingInsights attended the event in Den Bosch, Netherlands, to learn how the latest innovations in these areas can impact material reductions, runtime, and ease-of-use.

We speak with representatives from Bandall about its banding machines and with Codipack about coding machines for box packaging. 

Meanwhile, Weber Packaging Solutions discusses automated color labeling and Geostick explained how sustainable labeling materials can reduce tax costs and boost recycling rates. 

Banding together 
Dutch banding and labeling company Bandall was showcasing its “Branding by Banding” concept, through which companies can achieve plastic reductions and showcase their brand designs at the same time. Created in collaboration with specialist printing company Max Aarts, the bands combine labeling and packaging in one. Examples of the “Branding by Banding” concept shown by Bandall.

Stijn Klawer, an account manager for Bandall, explains why the concept is ideal for F&B companies looking to make noticeable environmental sustainability improvements. 

“Preprinted bands need less packaging material than shrink wrapping or sleeves, for example, and it’s a thinner material as well. You can reduce transportation and emissions through this as well since we use rolls instead of packs.”

“We also don’t use glue since it is not biodegradable. Instead, we use a thermoseal. Our product is biodegradable and in some sorts is also  recyclable.”

Companies using the concept include Milka, Tony Chocolonely and Bolletje, all of whom turned to Bandall to reduce their use of materials and associated carbon emissions, says Klawer. 

“Bundling like this is a very sustainable way of creating a proper branding experience,” he asserts. 

Coding on cardboard 
Meanwhile, coding and labeling company Codipack was showcasing various packaging machinery innovations, including laser coding, which burns traceable codes onto cardboard boxes. 

Joey Manders, account manager for systems at Codipack, explains that specific production requirements mean versatility in solutions is essential. Codipack’s Evolabel labeling machine.

“We are showing different concepts and systems here; in production companies, it’s very important to have a good runtime. You don’t want to have downtime because of machine issues.”

“With our Evolabel applicators, it is easy to change rolls and change spare parts to minimize downtime. We’ve achieved this with the help of our system suppliers,” he asserts. 

Codipack claims the Evolabel system is the “world’s fastest” print and apply system, with three labels produced every second. 

Weber adds color to industry 
Elsewhere, Weber was showcasing larger systems, including a pallet labeling machine. Debbie Poulus, marketing communications specialist for Weber, explains how the company employs technology from printing giant Epson to create color labeling for industrial applications. 

“We have combined our labeling machinery with Epson technology; there is a robotic arm that automatically applies the labels directly to the box. There is nowhere else you can find this; it’s very new.” Weber’s industrial color printing labeling machine.

Poulus explains that visibility is the “most demanding question” put forward by customers for their labeling. 

“Typically, companies that want to boost awareness turn to these color labels to help sell products. This means there is a requirement that the labels remain on the product, so we have to glue them properly.”

In terms of sustainability, Poulus says coding is the best solution as it provides labeling without the need for labels. The future, she says, will see a combination of coded and traditional labeling. 

“There is a place for both; sometimes the ink and solvents are not good enough to stick directly to a product.”

Geostick sticks to nature 
Also, sustainable labeling company Geostick was showcasing a line of wood-based label materials. 

“Our natureline materials are all from nature: wood, corn, grass, bagasse. It’s a natural product,” says Michel Tromp, commercial director at Geostick. Geostick labels made with recycled and natural materials.

He explains the labels are thin-lined, meaning each one has 20 g less per label. Washable adhesives are also used to attach the labels, making them suitable for recycling on PET bottles in most EU recycling streams. 

By thin lining the labels, Geostick can also compete with standard market pricing for less sustainable materials. Even for the company’s thicker labeling solutions, higher costs are worth it in the long run, he says.

“When you have a green mission, the additional cost for sustainable materials is a small price to pay, and the demand is rising. Retailers are increasingly asking for these materials, and also governments give discounts – so it’s worth it.” 

PackagingInsights also covered the latest developments in machinery innovation at the show, with central themes ranging from customization to speed and user-friendliness.

, reporting from Empack 2021 in Den Bosch, the Netherlands

By Louis Gore-Langton