Reflex sees potential in Landa nanography

Reflex Labels, a UK-based operation, has become the first to invest in Landa’s nanographic printing process.

Launched at drupa, the new presses are based on the water-based NanoInk technology and feature touchscreen controls for an intuitive operator user interface. The launch drew large audiences throughout the 14-day show with sold-out presentations of the technology on the Landa stand, included sheet- and web-fed presses. The three sheet-fed presses, respectively S5, S7 and S10, are all available in 4- to 8-colors, range from B3 (20in) to B1 (41in) in format, and have stock capability from 60 to 400gsm.

The three web-fed presses, W5, W10 and W50, have web widths of 560mm, 1,020mm and 560mm respectively, with the W10 aimed at packaging printers with its 200m/min speed on 12 – 250-micron film, or paper stock up to 300 microns. The W5 is suited to label stock, tube stock, aluminium foil and paper as well as plastic films and shrink sleeve applications.

Will Parker, Reflex Labels, said of the initial order for a 560mm W5 press: ‘We don’t see this as a single unit purchase. It’s a multi-unit opportunity across the group.

‘We don’t want to pigeonhole what the machine will do as it’s not something you want to do. It will evolve and there will be expansions to the technology, and we don’t want to constrain our thoughts.’

He continued: ‘It’s beacon technology, and we want to invest in it more. It won’t replace any of the existing presses we have but will be complementary technology that allows us to do new things, added-value work and take on special projects.’

Parker said Reflex has been somewhat of a digital sceptic as the technology has ebbed and flowed over the years, with the ‘shock and awe fading away’.

‘I bought the first Indigo press in Europe 17 years ago,’ said Parker. ‘We’ve had a long, and sometimes painful, introduction to digital technology. A lot of what we’ve seen, as Ian Kendall [owner of Reflex Labels] has said, has been a refinement of 1990s technology. We’ve been waiting for the next step     

‘This tech is that step, offering speed, versatility and ecological benefits. It’s a no-brainer.’

Reflex Labels has six manufacturing sites supplying a range of products, from flexible packaging and tray cards to linerless and self-adhesive labels, to the UK, Europe and the US. It said the investment is the first step in a ‘multi-unit opportunity’ across the company.

Ecology is a big part of its business strategy. Reflex uses compostable eco films and inks free from benzophenone and ITX3. It also uses green, carbon neutral energy supplies for the majority of its sites. The green benefits of the water-based NanoInk were named a key element in the decision to invest. NanoInk is to be delivered as a concentrate and diluted on-site by end users. Reflex said it will use rainwater in this process, and Parker added: ‘Water-based ink is a good thing as there is a big focus on ink migration, ablation and safety in general at the moment. The cost per page is also excellent, and it’s very fast.’

The press will be delivered to Reflex within the next 18 months, giving the company time to assess the optimum location and geography in which to install the W5. Parker expects a lot of interest from big companies wanting to see it. ‘A lot of people are asking if this is a publicity stunt but once the machine is operational, it will be there for people to see.’

He added, ‘We are a simple company and we make money to invest money. We’re investing in our core business; we’ve recently bought an MPS press, invested in coaters and reinvested in UV. We’re also planning to move one of our locations into new premises, which will double the size of the premises.

‘You can’t stand still as a business. This is “bleeding edge” technology, so we expect some issues, but the payback is that we are regarded as innovative and leading the market.’

Parker concluded, ‘Benny Landa is recognized as having moved the industry forward [when he launched Indigo], and he has done it again’.

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