Multivac delivers full wrap labeler for seafood packing output and brand optimization

28 Apr 2021 --- Multivac is promoting its full wrap conveyor belt labeler for applying self-adhesive full wrap labels on up to four sides of fish or other seafood product packs. 

Full wrap labels can enhance consumer appeal at the chill cabinet point of sale by “harmonizing brand with product.”

Fish and seafood products are typically packed in skin packs, MAP (modified atmosphere) trays, aluminum trays or cans and labeled with either a simple top/bottom label, cardboard sleeve or complete carton.

The cardboard sleeve encloses the product like a banderole, pushes over the pack’s outer edge, and wraps around like an envelope.

The problem with the label approach, Multivac indicates, is the labels often do not reflect the high quality of the product.

Moreover, if cardboard sleeves are used, the manual application can be time-consuming and costly, the global packaging provider points out.

Powerful labeler with high output
Multivac offers an efficient alternative with its L 310 full wrap conveyor belt labeler to address these issues.

Full wrap labeling provides a large area for product information and brand communication.With its patented, servo-driven press-on brushes, this flexible model makes it possible to automatically apply a self-adhesive full wrap label on up to four sides of a pack.

The maximum label width is 500 mm, while the labeling output is up to 120 packs per minute. Depending on the requirements, a wide range of thermal transfer or thermal inkjet printers can be integrated into the labeler.

Producers and packers can benefit from a high level of precision, process reliability and throughput due to the automated labeling process, Multivac highlights.

The labeler can be equipped with a zero downtime function for even higher overall output. Meanwhile, optional label and print inspection can ensure only perfectly labeled products reach the market. 

Environmental sustainability focus
Multivac offers solutions for various requirements through its wide range of suitable label materials and adhesives.

In addition to PP and PET labels, materials made of paper or other renewable sources are available for selection.

The company says consumers are increasingly focusing their attention on recyclable and sustainable packaging concepts, particularly regarding natural products and high-quality foods.

“By matching the label material to the packaging material, we can ensure the constituent parts of the pack can be separated to meet the recycling requirements, explains Michael Reffke, product manager at Multivac Marking & Inspection. 

“If we also use adhesives, which can be dissolved or washed off, the individual packaging components can easily be separated after use, so they can then be directed to the particular recycling stream.”

Lighter label material also reduces the transport weight of the packs along the entire supply chain, improving the CO2 impact.

“When compared with cardboard sleeves, the full wrap label can reduce the weight of the banderole by half, and even higher material savings are possible in comparison with complete cartons,” adds Reffke.The cardboard sleeve encloses the product like a banderole and wraps around like an envelope.

Limitless flexibility
According to Multivac, there are “practically no limits” to full wrap labeling in terms of application scenarios and design variants.

The possibilities range from a banderole for skin packs to a complete full wrap envelope with cut-out sections and overlapping to an allover label for tray-packed ready meals.

“Even where the lowest-cost material is used, this packaging concept is still highly impressive with its high-quality look and feel, since the print design, shape and type of material can be individually adapted to the product and brand,” the company says.

Additional functions such as perforation, opening aids, viewing window or adhesive-free zones can be integrated into the full wrap label.

Multivac’s material range includes label thicknesses from 70 to 130 g/m², ensuring every product can be presented attractively and cost-effectively.

Brand communication enabler
Full wrap labeling provides a larger area for product information and brand communication. An additional label can also be applied to the pack on the same machine.

“Full wrap labeling far exceeds the classic top/bottom labeling in every respect,” says Reffke.

“It is also in no way inferior to cardboard sleeves, as well as being significantly more efficient than a complete carton.”

Edited by Joshua Poole