CS Labels finds new markets with dry toner

Since purchasing its first Xeikon press in 2007, the UK’s CS Labels has continued to invest in dry toner to the extent that it holds an established position as Europe’s largest digital label printer to use the technology. This refresh of its machine park over the years has seen the company go wider, with a 3500 model, and faster, with the Xeikon Cheetah, its most recent press investment that is capable of printing at 98ft/min (30m/ min). New consumables, such as the Ice toner, software and finishing equipment – a laser die-cutting system is shortly to be commissioned – have also been added and integrated into its operations.

This has all combined to give the company an unparalleled understanding of dry toner and its capabilities, built up over a number of years. It has also given CS Labels an understanding of the need to innovate and evolve its capabilities in an increasingly competitive market. This has included maximizing digital as a tool not only for short runs but for longer runs and those which require elements that can only be produced using digital, such as variable data.

Saturated market
‘The bottom end of the digital market is saturated and there is little room to move to create value,’ says Simon Smith, CS Labels managing director. ‘We have been able to use our long history using Xeikon, and a favorable investment environment, as an opportunity to generate value and revenue that has been reinvested into our operations, meaning we can now create further value and new revenue streams to continue growing the business.’

Recent innovations to come out of its Willenhall facility have included a new wraparound-style peel and reveal label, using a specially configured converting line from GM, and digital heat transfer labels, where graphics are printed on to a clear film carrier with a unique adhesive applied.