New products

Interket UK launches UV-Readable label technology

Will Drysdale — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:53:18 +0000

Interket UK, a specialist in label manufacturing and UV-print technologies, has announced the launch of a UV-readable label developed in partnership with UK recycling technology innovator, Polytag.

After a rigorous 12-month R&D programme, the technology is now commercially available, enabling brand and retail partners to verify recycling at barcode level, supporting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance and wider sustainability commitments.

The label technology, printed and manufactured by Interket, with Polytag's UV tags embedded directly into the label artwork, creates a precise and reliable UV signature for packaging that can be detected in Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) to deliver real-time recycling data for brands.

It forms a core part of Polytag's Ecotrace programme, an industry-led initiative deploying a national network of UV-tag detection systems within MRFs. With 15 Ecotrace systems operational by the end of 2025, covering over half of the UK's household waste stream, Interket is meeting the demand for a scalable recycling verification label that brands can adopt without disruption.

Tim Pattison, MD of Interket UK, said: 'Technical collaboration with Polytag was central to the success of this project. From the outset, our teams worked closely to align on technical objectives, share expertise, and tackle the challenges of creating a UV label that would perform reliably at scale, in real-world recycling environments.'

The labeling technology was developed through an intensive development programme to ensure it could reliably perform in real recycling environments and meet required safety standards.

Interket UK and Polytag conducted extensive trials to perfect UV ink density, plate format and print consistency across substrates, while tuning detection algorithms to ensure reliable read-rates under high-speed MRF conditions.

Complete migration testing and production validation followed, producing a technically assured, scalable label ready for widespread FMCG deployment.

During this process, the UV inks were rigorously tested and verified for safety and suitability across the supply chain.

The labeling technology is already being used by leading retail brands, including Ocado and M&S, and is fully integrated across the UK's first high-coverage UV detection network. Now, with this proven technology, other brands can adopt UV-readable labels within their packaging, helping accelerate the UK's transition to a transparent, circular recycling system while unlocking real-time, EPR-ready recycling data.

David Acott, director of operations at Interket UK, said: 'Interket UK has long championed sustainable and innovation-forward solutions, so this partnership with Polytag is a natural fit.

'Working alongside its team, we have engineered a world-class UV-readable label that performs consistently across substrates and production environments, while meeting the technical demands of real-world MRF detection.'

Alice Rackley, CEO and founder of Polytag, added: 'Our partnership with Interket UK has delivered a breakthrough for brands seeking clarity, compliance, and actionable recycling data.

'With Ecotrace rolling out nationwide, this UV label is enabling a new era of transparency and EPR accountability, and we're excited to see the industry begin using it at scale.'

Posted date

5 days 9 hours ago

Short title

Interket UK launches UV-Readable label technology

Short summary

Leading UK retailers, M&S and Ocado, are already using the technology.

First paragraph

Leading UK retailers, M&S and Ocado, are already using the technology.

Regions

Europe

Other topics

New products

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

New products

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

redirected

Off

Aldus Tronics launches linerless labeler

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 23:42:19 +0000

Aldus Tronics has announced it will launch the Aldus M360+ Linerless Labeller in 2026 after securing intellectual property from JBT Marel to develop and manufacture the packaging machine.

The machine will be available across Australia, New Zealand and the US. Key benefits of the Aldus M360+ include zero backing paper waste, reducing environmental impact; reels up to 40 percent lighter, lowering logistics costs and easing storage; increased labeling efficiency with fewer changeovers; and flexible applications, including wraparound, C-wrap and top labeling.

The machine will be manufactured in Australia, utilizing the skills of Australian engineers and incorporating a proven machine concept sourced from Europe. The machine will be CE-compliant, ensuring compliance with international safety and quality standards.

This new offering significantly strengthens Aldus Tronics' capabilities and expands its offering to customers, providing a comprehensive option for their fresh produce labeling requirements. The ability to offer a locally manufactured, technologically advanced machine with global export potential underscores Tronics' commitment to innovation and growth.

'For too long, the market has lacked alternatives. With Aldus Tronics' proven track record in reliable labeling technology, we're proud to provide a fresh, sustainable option that meets today's industry needs,' commented Frank Floriano, CEO of Aldus. 'This IP allows us to address a specific market need with a high-quality, efficient and sustainable system. We are excited to bring this Australian-made technology to the world.'

The Aldus M360+ will be available from 2026. Interested businesses can register now to receive launch updates.

Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, Aldus is a group of businesses supplying products and services to the global graphics, packaging and manufacturing industries. With a portfolio that includes API Transfer Technologies, Paragon Inks, Tronics, Aldus Engineering and Milford Astor, the Aldus Group is committed to delivering innovation, efficiency and value to customers worldwide.

Posted date

5 days 20 hours ago

Short title

Aldus Tronics launches linerless labeler

Short summary

The M360+ machine targets Australia, New Zealand and the US markets.

First paragraph

The M360+ machine targets Australia, New Zealand and the US markets.

Regions

Asia-Pacific

North America

Related suppliers

Aldus-Tronics

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

New products

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

redirected

Off

Xeikon unveils subscription-model press at Labelexpo Asia

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 03:01:44 +0000

Xeikon has unveiled an entry-level toner press for the Asia-Pacific label market available through a subscription-based model rather than a Capex investment.

Launched at Labelexpo Asia 2025 in Shanghai, the Ecolyne press is targeted at smaller printers and e-commerce-driven label converters in the region who have not purchased a digital press because they lack the capital or the operational bandwidth.

By subscribing to label printing capacity rather than owning the hardware, converters can scale production when needed and sidestep a heavy initial investment. Much like an auto leasing agreement, at the end of the subscription period the press can be handed back to Xeikon. The subscription includes installation, servicing and consumables.

‘In many parts of Asia, the label-printing scene is changing fast,’ said Xeikon president Walter Benz. ‘Small to mid-sized converters also see increasing demand for shorter runs and faster turnaround. They need access to digital label printing capacity now. That’s why we bring Ecolyne to Asia first. We see a strong need here for simple, reliable digital production without the burden of ownership.’

The 330mm-wide Ecolyne press uses the same core imaging technology as Xeikon’s existing CX-series toner presses, printing at 25 m/min at 1200 DPI resolution with the ability to run substrates from coated or uncoated paper to PP (white or clear), PET and metallised film. Using Xeikon’s food-safe dry toner system, the Ecolyne press is available in both a 4-color (CMYK) and 5-color (CMYK+white) configurations.

The Ecolyne has a smaller footprint than the standard Xeikon CX press, made possible by taking away the web conditioning unit at the delivery and attaching the control screen to the press itself rather than on a separate console.

The press is offered only in a roll-to-roll configuration. Xeikon will work either with its preferred finishing partners or with local Chinese suppliers, and the finishing unit will also be serviced by Xeikon.

After the Ecolyne press is launched commercially in China, it will be rolled out to other Asia-Pacific territories including India, Japan and SE Asia.

Posted date

6 days 16 hours ago

Short title

Xeikon unveils subscription-model press at Labelexpo Asia

Short summary

Entry-level digital press available through a subscription model in the Asia-Pacific market.

First paragraph

Entry-level digital press available through a subscription model in the Asia-Pacific market.

Regions

Asia-Pacific

Other topics

New products

Related suppliers

Xeikon

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

Digital printing

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

redirected

Off

Hybrid Software releases Packz 11.5

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 21:15:46 +0000

Hybrid Software has released Packz 11.5, an update to its PDF editor for label and packaging pre-press that includes customer-driven innovations.

The release marks a significant milestone in the company's commitment to customer-driven development, with features shaped by input from the Packz user community.

'What makes this release especially significant is the input from our user community. Our DNA is to listen to customers and act on their input. For the 11.5 release, we have actively engaged with Packz users to gather suggestions, feature requests and usability insights. This collaborative effort has shaped the development of Packz 11.5, making it a reflection of the needs of our industry,' stated Pascal Wybo, product manager at Hybrid Software.

Packz 11.5 introduces the Halftone Detection Tool, a powerful extension to Packz Max that features integrated Harlequin RIP technology for control over screening parameters directly within the Packz editor. The tool evaluates screen frequency and screen angles directly from the Packz Max RIP output preview and any 1-bit TIFF file opened in Packz.

Beyond basic screening metrics, the tool delivers analysis of dot gain compensation, minimum and maximum dot sizes and plate linearization, ensuring optimal plate and print quality with consistent results across production environments.

In collaboration with technology partners Arden Software, Engview and TreeDiM, Hybrid Software has extended the CF2 standard with the introduction of 3D variants in Packz 11.5 and partner products. This capability allows multiple fold angle configurations, such as fully closed, lid open or folded flat, to be embedded within a single CF2 file.

These 3D variants are instantly rendered in Hybrid Software's iC3D ray-tracing software and are fully compatible with structural design systems from companies that support the Extended CF2 format and 3D variants.

Based on ColorLogic technology, Packz now renders spot colors on screen with accuracy using their spectral or colorimetric data. The improvements are most notable for spot color tints and blends of spot and process colors, maintaining a consistent hue. Spot color specifications are retrieved from CxF/X-4 spectral data in a PDF file or from selected color books.

Packzimizer Laneplanner introduces new features that enhance production accuracy and efficiency for roll-fed digital printed labels. The Laneplanner now supports maximum roll length specifications in version 11.5, ensuring optimized layouts stay within physical press or finishing equipment limits. Additionally, Laneplanner respects the exact label roll quantities required by customers, allowing converters to fulfill orders precisely without overproduction or waste.

Posted date

1 week 4 days ago

Short title

Hybrid Software releases Packz 11.5

Short summary

The update introduces a halftone detection tool with Harlequin RIP technology and extended CF2 3D variants.

First paragraph

The update introduces a halftone detection tool with Harlequin RIP technology and extended CF2 3D variants.

Other topics

New products

Related suppliers

Hybrid Software Group

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

Workflow, MIS & inspection

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

redirected

Off

Xeikon launches Ecolyne subscription press

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 22:07:28 +0000

Xeikon has launched Ecolyne, a subscription-based digital label press service that allows converters to access production capacity without purchasing equipment.

The press, which makes its debut at Labelexpo Asia in Shanghai, features a 330mm web width, 25m/min print speed and 1,200 DPI resolution, and can handle substrates from coated or uncoated paper to PP, PET and metallized film. The system uses a food-safe dry toner configuration and is available in four-color CMYK and five-color CMYK plus white versions.

'In many parts of Asia, the label-printing scene is changing fast,' commented Walter Benz, president of Xeikon. 'Small to mid-sized converters also see increasing demand for shorter runs and faster turnaround. They need access to digital label-printing capacity now. That's why we bring Ecolyne to Asia first, we see a strong need here for simple, reliable digital production without the burden of ownership.'

The launch targets converters facing high upfront equipment investment costs coupled with increasing demands for smaller runs, quicker turnarounds and flexible capacity.

Under the subscription model, Xeikon handles installation, servicing and uptime management, allowing converters to scale production when needed without heavy capital investment. The service keeps digital label production lines equipped with the latest technology.

'Beyond the commercial benefits, this service lets you stay current with technology trends and keep your digital label production line equipped with the latest capabilities,' added Benz.

Posted date

1 week 5 days ago

Short title

Xeikon launches Ecolyne subscription press

Short summary

The new product targets the Asia-Pacific market with a capacity-based digital label service.

First paragraph

The new product targets the Asia-Pacific market with a capacity-based digital label service.

Regions

Other topics

Related suppliers

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

Digital printing

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

redirected

Off

Labelexpo Europe 2025: Chinese exhibitors

Adyasha Sinha — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 07:17:34 +0000

Labelexpo 01 December 2025

Labelexpo Europe 2025: Chinese exhibitors

Chinese manufacturers make a strong impression at this year's show.

Chinese brands are gaining increasing recognition from international clients, and this trend is clearly reflected in the label printing industry. At Labelexpo Europe 2025 in Barcelona, a record 217 Chinese exhibitors showcased their latest innovations, marking a 34.8 percent increase compared to the previous European edition.

Show visitors interviewed by this writer were impressed by the innovation now coming out of China. More Chinese companies are looking to set up technical support centers and agency partners in Europe to help alleviate concerns about support and reliability.

Traditional press technologies

Although letterpress remains a significant technology in China’s label market, no letterpress equipment was displayed at this year’s European show. In the intermittent/semi-rotary offset printing segment, several manufacturers stood out: Weigang presented its ZX320 offset press, Zonten showcased its ZTJ Series intermittent offset press, and Nickel displayed its FS350 model. Remarkably, all of these offset presses were sold during the exhibition, demonstrating the strength of demand for intermittent offset in Europe.

Flexo takes center stage

Flexographic printing continues to dominate both the European and global markets, and it was a major highlight at Labelexpo Europe 2025. Spande secured nearly 1,000sqm of booth space – the largest at the show – to present three flagship press lines: the S7 flexo press, the S5 flexo press and the AC mid-wide web production line with an 800mm width capacity.

The AC series made its debut, featuring an 8-color, 800mm-wide configuration with nine servo motors per flexo station. It demonstrated high-speed flexible packaging production across a wide range of materials, from 12 to 800 microns, including paper, PE, OPP, PPC, PVC, plastic film, carton, self-adhesive substrates and aluminum-coated materials.

The AC series supports both roll-to-roll and roll-to-final-package workflows, integrating in-line finishing technologies such as embossing, creasing, die-cutting, stripping, inspection, sorting and stacking.

‘We’re seizing this opportunity to showcase our innovative flexo printing technologies and robust product portfolio to global users,’ says Ye Keqin, chairman of Spande, who also confirms eight orders were secured onsite.

Weigang featured its best-selling ZJR350G flexo press, designed for labels, in-mold labels and flexible packaging applications down to 12 microns. The company reported nearly 40 percent year-on-year growth in overseas revenue in 2024 and announced plans to establish global technical service centers starting in 2026 to offer 24-hour customer support.

‘Technology implementation depends on the trust of global partners,’ notes Zhou Bingsong, CEO of Weigang. ‘For Europe, localization means value integration, not just exporting products.’ The company plans to open and independently operate an after-sales service center in Portugal.

Zonten introduced its ZTR Series modular flexographic press, which offers UV/LED curing, die-cutting, slitting and cold foil capabilities.

“Compared to the show two years ago, we’ve seen a higher level of acceptance of Chinese‑manufactured materials among European customers”

Hongsheng (HS) presented its SFLEX-450 flexo press and secured a deal on the first day with Spanish converter GSP Etiquetas, marking their second HS press purchase. A GSP spokesperson notes, ‘We expect our production capacity to increase by 30 percent after installing this new equipment.’

‘Nearly 40 percent of our business comes from overseas markets, including Spain, Italy and Germany. We’ve moved into our own factory, which ensures component quality and delivery timelines. We completed 80 units by the end of August,’ says Ruan Jinshu, general manager of HS Machinery.

First-time exhibitor Qianrun sold its displayed flexo press to a Spanish converter and signed distribution agreements with VBA in Italy and Imagraf in Spain. The company showcased its servo-driven Label King S5-370-8C in-line flexo press, an 8-color model tailored to European standards for precision and efficiency.

‘We spent years preparing for our first Labelexpo Europe, refining our technology to meet European sustainability, efficiency and quality standards. The visitor quality exceeded expectations. They were looking for real production solutions. We’ve already rebooked for the next European show in two years,’ comments Ding Yinqiu, CEO of Qianrun.

Fourth-time exhibitor Label Source conducted live demonstrations of its in-line flexo press F6-370-10C, featuring nonstop unwind and rewind, continuous waste removal and compression for 24-hour production with high registration accuracy.

Caisheng debuted its intermittent CS-J380F label press.

Hontec showcased three key products, including the FlexiCon460-8C, an eight-color servo-driven flexographic press. The press was sold to SugarPack in Spain, Fortune Pack and Yess Label in Dubai.

Finishing equipment providers Brotech and Rhyguan also made their flexographic press debuts, signaling strategic business expansions.

Brotech introduced the FF-X530, which it claims is the world’s first AI-driven flexographic press. This press integrates advanced AI algorithms to monitor, analyze and optimize every stage of the printing process, offering real-time feedback to ensure consistent quality, reduce waste and minimize downtime. ‘The FF-X530 represents a transformative step in flexographic printing,’ says a Brotech representative. ‘It brings automation, precision and sustainability to help converters stay competitive in today’s fast-paced market.’

Rhyguan debuted its RF-330 flexo press, a servo-driven model with two operating modes: rotary speeds up to 180m/min and semi-rotary at 60m/min. It features a minimum print size of 330mm, ideal for cost-effective proofing and small-batch production.

Other flexo suppliers, such as Nickel, Daba, Dowell, Jmetech, Bengraphic and Jingle, also promoted their latest flexo press models.

Digital presses

Digital printing emerged as a key trend at Labelexpo Europe 2025.

Weigang introduced its WG S350Ultra 1,200 DPI digital press and the WG S230 600 DPI digital press, designed for fast, sustainable and low-volume printing.

‘Weigang has continuously updated our products to align with market needs. Our offset and flexographic printing equipment have built a strong user base. We understand our customers’ production requirements and digital printing technology is a valuable complement to our existing offerings,’ notes Ryan Zhou, general manager of Weigang.

Zonten showcased its ZTD hybrid digital-flexo press, which integrates CMYK digital printing with flexographic modules, enabling variable data printing and rapid job changeovers.

First-time exhibitor GIP presented the compact Label Smart digital press in a CMYK + double white configuration. Also featured was the Label Ultra series digital label press with an upgraded 1,200 DPI printhead. At the Spande booth, GIP displayed its Label Modular hybrid press series, which supports up to eight colors and allows modular additions such as flexo printing, varnishing and foil stamping.

“European buyers are increasingly focused on compliance with environmental regulations, which is now a key factor in their procurement decisions”

Flora unveiled the Orca 350, a highly integrated modular system that enables one-stop processing for printing, cold stamping, varnishing and laminating. The machine supports multi-color, high-fidelity output in CMYK+W+OVG, covering over 85 percent of the Pantone color gamut. Its in-line digital varnish unit meets embellishment needs efficiently.

Pulisi showcased two digital presses: the Aobead 600×1,200 DPI and the 1,200×1,200 DPI models.

‘Aobead digital presses have been installed in numerous countries, including the US, Russia, Mexico, India, South Korea and Malaysia,’ notes Olive Liu, CEO of Pulisi. ‘Many clients have ordered second or third machines shortly after their initial purchase. We now have 350 Aobead units installed, with 40 percent serving overseas clients.’

HanLabel introduced a 1,200 DPI hybrid press featuring an inkjet engine, eight-color digital printing and four flexo stations with a non-stop system.

UPG presented a six-color UV inkjet press with integrated digital varnishing and foiling capabilities. The company also showcased a water-based inkjet press and the MonoLabel press.

In addition to label digital presses, Pulisi and first-time exhibitor Arojet promoted digital presses for flexible packaging, which will be displayed at Labelexpo Asia 2025 in Shanghai this December.

Finishing

Finishing plays a crucial role in label and flexible packaging production.

Brotech presented the SDF PLUS 370, a smart, modular digital label finishing platform offering flexibility through its patented intermittent/rotary flexo unit. It can be configured with lamination, cold foil, hot foil stamping and various die-cutting options. The company also showcased the SpeedMaster, a semi-rotary flexo and die-cutting system that runs at 110 m/min in semi-rotary mode and up to 150 m/min in full rotary mode. It features Brotech’s proprietary Digital Pressure Control system.

Hontec exhibited the DiGiFiNi MPX350, a multi-purpose digital finishing converter with UV digital varnish embellishment, ideal for premium wine label printing. They also displayed the UniCon350, part of Hontec’s Ready-To-Ship program, offering fast delivery. According to Hontec, they sold 20 machines during Labelexpo Europe 2025, including flexographic presses.

Denchern, a third-time exhibitor, showcased four finishing machines equipped with inspection and flexo units. Pleased with the event, they have already rebooked a 160sqm booth for the next Labelexpo Europe.

AKO introduced its Alpha finishing equipment, which includes flexo printing, die-cutting and a nonstop turret rewinder. ‘Forty percent of our business is now overseas and we’ve established a factory in Canada,’ shares Waley Xuan, CEO of AKO, which also supplies self-adhesive materials.

Digital technologies in finishing, especially embellishment and die-cutting, are gaining attention.

Brotech showcased the IDM800 digital embellishment system, capable of producing special effects such as white, metallic and varnish applications. It supports variable data printing, including barcodes, 2D codes and braille.

SAPA, a first-time exhibitor and digital embellishment supplier, presented its flagship DMS 330WFR machine. This all-in-one solution offers digital varnish and foiling functions, along with a semi-rotary flexographic unit and die-cutting unit. SAPA secured five orders at the show, including the 800WP, designed specifically for flexible packaging, marking a strong entry into the European market.

Song Cheng, Chairman of Guangzhou SAPA, notes: ‘This marks our debut at Labelexpo Europe, and our equipment has received significant attention from visitors. We’ve also introduced our sheet-fed digital embellishment machine for folding cartons, aligning with Labelexpo’s industrial exploration initiatives under its Loupe platform.’

Reborn showcased its modular RBJ-Remix 3DW 370 digital UV embellishment series, featuring semi-rotary flexo, digital embellishment and rotary die-cutting. The machine includes a 2,000-meter unwinding and rewinding unit with forward and reverse functions, as well as auxiliary features like dust removal and corona treatment. It operates at a maximum speed of 50m/min. Reborn also presented the RBJ-Ares 350 laser die-cutting machine and reported over 30 digital finishing machines installed in the European market.

Darui Machine launched its Smarter Die-Cutter Plotter S8/S9, equipped with a CCD camera for automatic job scanning and switching. It features an integrated casting blade head bridge for enhanced stability and automatic blade depth adjustment. The new version boasts a 40 percent speed increase. Darui also displayed the Darui 360, a laser die-cutting machine suitable for roll-to-roll or roll-to-sheet operations.

Golden Laser introduced the LC 350 laser die-cutting machine, which includes unwinding, laser cutting, dual rewinding and waste matrix removal. Its modular design supports roll-to-roll, roll-to-sheet and roll-to-sticker processes. They sold five machines onsite.

ADA debuted its ULC350 laser die-cutter, which offers no thermal damage, zero mold costs and instant setup, powered by AI-driven automation. The company claims the system reduces production downtime by 60 percent and enables ultra-short runs that were previously unprofitable.

Another notable finishing machine is the pouch-making and seaming equipment for flexible packaging. ZhouTai Machinery, a first-time exhibitor, introduced the AMD450FSL-S servo-driven flat-bottom pouch-making machine. It achieves 100 pieces per minute with ±1.5 mm eye mark accuracy and handles films up to 160 microns thick. A special cross-sealing design accommodates PE/PE materials and minimizes waste. Jindali, also a first-time exhibitor, promoted its S model shrink sleeve seaming machine.

Materials

Among the Chinese exhibitors at Labelexpo Europe, material suppliers represented the largest group.

Leo Deng, sales director of Jinda, shares: ‘We began participating in Labelexpo Europe in 2005 and have continued without interruption. This platform has helped us expand our international business. Currently, the European market accounts for more than half of our overseas sales.’

He also notes a shift in buyer priorities: ‘European buyers are increasingly focused on compliance with environmental regulations, such as the new European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which is now a key factor in their procurement decisions.’

Additionally, Deng observes a generational shift in the industry: ‘A new generation of successors is entering the printing sector, and their expectations for materials are becoming more standardized and regulated.’

Super Color, an ink supplier making its debut at the exhibition, reported rising demand for low-odor, low-migration flexographic inks, according to Robert Luo, general manager. For digital printing inks, however, cost remains the primary concern for most buyers.

“We spent years preparing for our first Labelexpo Europe, refining our technology to meet European sustainability, efficiency and quality standards”

Jinwanzheng, a specialist in film-based label materials, stated: ‘Currently, our overseas business accounts for 10 percent of total revenue. Compared to the show two years ago, we’ve seen a higher level of acceptance of Chinese-manufactured materials among European customers.’

The company plans to continue participating in future Labelexpo events to further expand its international presence.

Antac, another first-time exhibitor at Labelexpo Europe, has long been a regular at Labelexpo Asia. The company welcomed visitors from Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, India and South America.

RFID

CLS promoted the CL-822 RFID automatic label lamination machine operating at speeds of up to 60m/min.

Hoaco showed an RFID finishing machine for die-cutting and lamination, which could be equipped with printing and coating functions in-line. It has two modes, roll-to-roll and die-cut pieces.

Nexqo promoted an extensive range of RFID hardware, including RFID labels, NFC stickers, RFID inlays, pre-laminated tags and tags designed for logistics, retail, healthcare, asset management, warehouse management, cashless payment and anti‑counterfeiting.

Chinese buyers visit Labelexpo

The Chinese Packaging Federation (CPF) organized a group of over 30 converters, suppliers and brands from China to visit Labelexpo Europe. The group focused on digital and flexo printing technologies and RFID and flexible packaging features at the show.

Xu Wencai, chairman of CPF, says: ‘Labelexpo Europe is the most professional label show in the industry. We hope to learn innovations that are shaping the future of this dynamic industry through this visit. We also want to let more international suppliers to know the needs in the Chinese market and welcome them to expand their business in China.’

Li Congfa, general manager of Jinan Xinxianfeng, a 28-year-old converter in Shandong Province, visited the show for the first time to see the most innovative technology in the industry, which hadn’t been introduced in the Chinese market yet.

Thirty percent of his company’s business comes from labels and the rest from publishing. He was confident in the label industry’s prospects and planned to invest in a second flexographic machine by the end of the year.

Another label converter in the delegation, Chen, shares: ‘I want to find some sustainable solutions because most of my client base is in Europe and the US. The sustainable needs from international clients are increasing, especially after the PPWR regulation. We are preparing for the new policy in the European market.’

John Zhang, CEO of Meiqi Group, adds: ‘The main technology I’m interested in is a hybrid press, which combines the advantages of digital and flexographic presses, and decreases the cost of production. I also found the in-line folding carton flexographic production line interesting. I think this will be the next potential opportunity for label converters.’

As an increasing number of suppliers pursue global expansion, the overseas expansion of converters is likely to emerge as the next key trend.

Edit content

Yolanda Wang

China editor

Article Also Filed in:

Top story

Article type

Features

ABG expands with new InkJet range

Will Drysdale — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 11:52:47 +0000

Finishing equipment manufacturer, A B Graphic International (ABG), has unveiled the ABG InkJet - a new single colour print bar module engineered for integration across ABG's own finishing systems, including the Digicon, Converter, SRI and B5010 Booklet Machine, as well as third-party equipment.

The ABG InkJet has been designed to deliver precision, versatility and speed. It is suitable for a wide range of applications, including variable data printing, multi-layer labels, security features, barcodes and pharmaceutical labeling. Among its standout features are 360 or 720 DPI resolution, tool-less application for reduced operating costs and compatibility across multiple web widths. It also offers a wasteless setup process, ensuring maximum efficiency and sustainability in production.

A key advantage of the new system is its ability to print directly onto adhesive layers, opening up new creative and functional possibilities for label converters. Combined with ABG's fleyeVision inspection system, the InkJet delivers high-quality print accuracy and consistent high-resolution output, all within a compact, easily integrated module.

The same advanced InkJet technology also powers the ABG Braille module - equipment that applies high-build varnish to create braille text and warning triangles in accordance with recognised industry standards. Using varnishes of varying viscosities, the system can produce tactile embellishments on labels. With no cleaning required during varnish changes, users benefit from faster changeovers, minimal waste, and improved operational uptime.

Both ABG InkJet and ABG Braille are manufactured at ABG's German facility in Baesweiler, forming part of the company's InkJet range. Further innovations in this series are already in development, with new modules set to launch in 2026.

An open house event will take place at the Baesweiler site on 15th and 16th April 2026, featuring live machine demonstrations, factory tours and a preview of the company's latest technological advancements.

The ABG FlexPack division will also be launched in 2026. Building on the success of its pouch machines and thermal lamination systems, this new pillar, also produced in Baesweiler, will complete ABG's comprehensive range of flexible packaging options, including laminating, coating, pouch making and digital embellishment.

Michael Leidgschwendner, managing director of ABG GmbH and leader of the Inkjet project, said: 'As we continue to advance our inkjet capabilities here in Baesweiler, our focus has been on developing a fully modular print technology that can be utilised across the entire ABG portfolio.

'The new InkJet range represents a step forward, giving customers a versatile, high-performance system that integrates seamlessly with any ABG system, as well as third-party equipment.

'And by offering everything from one supplier, we're enabling a more streamlined, efficient and future-proof approach to production, while opening up exciting new possibilities in variable data, security, multi-layer and functional printing.'

Posted date

2 weeks 3 days ago

Short title

ABG expands with new InkJet range

Short summary

ABG announces the new ABG InkJet that will integrate with its own finishing systems.

First paragraph

ABG announces the new ABG InkJet that will integrate with its own finishing systems.

Regions

Europe

Other topics

Finishing & embellishment

New products

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

New products

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

redirected

Off

Tageos expands RFID inlays portfolio

Piotr Wnuk — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 20:51:41 +0000

Tageos has launched two new RFID inlays developed in collaboration with EM Microelectronic: the EOS-920 and the EOS-620 Seal, designed for product authentication, supply chain efficiency and consumer engagement.

The EOS-920 EM4332 NFC inlay combines Tageos' antenna design and manufacturing capabilities with EM Microelectronic's chip technology, offering performance for secure product authentication, smart packaging and proof of presence applications. The NFC Forum Type 2-compliant product features a pre-programmed unique 7-byte ID, 308-bytes user memory and cryptographic functions for enhanced security. With a compact antenna size of 20 mm diameter, the product is available in dry, wet and plastic-face delivery formats.

The EOS-620 Seal EM4425 expands Tageos' anti-tamper inlay portfolio. The product features a tamper-loop design and tamper-detection interface powered by EM Microelectronic's em|echo-V ICs, enabling both HF/NFC and RAIN RFID (UHF) dual-frequency use cases on a single chip. RAIN RFID applications include supply chain management and inventory visibility in retail, food and beverage, healthcare and pharma, logistics and manufacturing. HF/NFC functionalities allow consumers and retailers to verify product origin with a smartphone tap, while unlocking digital experiences, enriched product information and personalized loyalty programs.

The EOS-620 Seal EM4425 inlay complies with NFC Forum Type 5 specifications and offers user-configurable non-volatile shared memory accessible via NFC and RAIN RFID. The product is available in dry, wet and paper-face form factors.

'The em|linq chips give every product a secure digital identity that consumers can verify instantly with a simple tap,' said Pierre Muller, manager of the RFID business unit at EM Microelectronic. 'Each interaction builds trust and ensures authenticity, making transparency real and protection reliable, whether for medicines, premium beverages or high-value goods. Furthermore, the em|echo-V HF-UHF combination bridges the chasm between the B2B use cases using professional, closed-loop RAIN RFID infrastructure and B2C use cases, allowing each consumer to interact with the product via their smartphone in a complete open-loop environment, making it an ideal support for implementing Digital Product Passport.'

'By enabling highly secure product authentication, enhanced consumer engagement and improved supply chain transparency, all without compromising functionality, Tageos once again underscores its leadership in RFID and wireless IoT innovation,' added Hector Gomez, vice president of specialty products at Tageos. 'The new EOS-920 EM4332 and EOS-620 Seal EM4425 inlays reinforce our commitment to support label converters and their customers to build trust directly into their products.'

Tageos' market partners, ForgeStop and 4iD Solutions, have already received significant customer interest with first deployments such as IFA Celtics based on these new products. At two upcoming tradeshows in India, CPHI and PMEC 2025 (November 25-27, booth 15A.A90) and the Brews and Spirits Expo 2025 (November 27-29, booth B203), all partners will jointly showcase their latest innovations.

Posted date

2 weeks 6 days ago

Short title

Tageos expands RFID inlays portfolio

Short summary

New NFC and dual-frequency products target authentication and supply chain applications.

First paragraph

New NFC and dual-frequency products target authentication and supply chain applications.

Regions

Europe

Other topics

New products

Related suppliers

Tageos SAS

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

Interactive technology

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

redirected

Off

Labelexpo Europe 2025: Materials

Adyasha Sinha — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 06:04:31 +0000

Substrates & adhesives 21 November 2025

Labelexpo Europe 2025: Materials

At Labelexpo Europe 2025, the focus of the materials scientists was on innovation while complying with upcoming sustainability regulations.

The overarching theme of material suppliers at Labelexpo Europe 2025 was clear: every component of a pressure‑sensitive label, from the release liner to the final adhesive bond, is being redesigned to meet the demands of a circular economy.

The industry demonstrated its response to global mandates like the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

Sylwia Jurys, vice president, markets EMEIA at UPM Adhesive Materials, highlights the regulatory pressure driving these developments: ‘Selecting the right label is essential to elevate sustainability, especially now as the EU’s PPWR
requirements place even more pressure on packaging.’

On the same note, Günther Birkner, president of Innovia Films, shares: ‘Our strategy is clear: renovate, localize and decarbonize label film solutions for a market where sustainability and performance can no longer be mutually exclusive.’

Recyclable and PCR materials

The biggest trend at the exhibition was the rapid commercialization and scaling of label materials utilizing post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. This represents a critical shift from simply producing recyclable labels to producing labels that support the recycling of the entire package.

Avery Dennison emphasized its commitment to circularity with a portfolio centered on solving key recycling challenges. The company introduced PET labels with chemically recycled content for the automotive and durable goods sectors, a move aimed at meeting specific OEM requirements where performance cannot be compromised. The automotive industry, for instance, requires high durability, which recycled content previously struggled to match.

Beyond films, Avery Dennison also promoted AD CleanFiber, an INGEDE12‑certified paper label range utilizing a new adhesive technology that cleanly separates during the recycling process, ensuring higher-quality pulp for paper and cardboard production.

UPM Adhesive Materials dedicated significant resources to innovations that enhance logistics and consumer durables through sustainable materials. The company launched new products featuring solvent-free adhesives and PET PCR materials, simplifying decision-making for brands that require labeling modern appliances with multiple tags for energy ratings and QR codes.

‘Our decisive efforts have enabled strong and measurable progress on our 2030 climate commitments. Moving forward, we will increasingly concentrate on delivery to our customers, investing in our LCA and Scope 3 services and in reducing the carbon footprint of our products. By collaborating with our partners and keeping our ambition to meet our climate goals, we can reduce impact at scale,’ states Robert Taylor, director, global sustainability at UPM Adhesive Materials.

UPM emphasized that its Carbon Action plastic label materials assist brands in demonstrating quantifiable reductions of their carbon footprint.

The shift was equally visible in the synthetic film producers. Innovia Films showcased its Encore range of sustainable films, which integrates up to 35 percent mechanically recycled content. These films maintain the high optical clarity, barrier performance and durability expected for both food and non-food applications, providing converters with a practical path toward decarbonization.

Simon Huber, managing director of Innovia Films Europe, notes that the material changes are a response to regulatory pressure, confirming that the company is delivering ‘materials aligned with circular economy goals like the PPWR’.

The company also debuted the next-generation BOPP label films that are thinner and lighter, reducing raw material usage while maintaining print quality.

Similarly, Taghleef Industries presented its Dynamic Cycle Solutions, an offering designed to support brands transitioning from multi-layer plastic structures to more sustainable materials, with a focus on bio-based, biodegradable and recycled polypropylene options.

Ambra Stocco, European marketing and communication manager and label lead at Taghleef Industries, acknowledges the foundational industry change: ‘Even in 2025, the packaging industry continues to be in the midst of transformation, urged on by increasing demands for new, more sustainable solutions that comply with new regulations.’

The company’s reDesign service assists partners in creating customized technologies that comply with PPWR guidance, demonstrating that sustainability must be engineered at the design stage.

“The evolving EU regulatory environment is not a limitation. It’s an invitation to innovate more boldly”

Polyart Group, specializing in papers and films, showcased its r-range of products, including r-Polyart, an HDPE film containing 30 percent PCR HDPE, specifically designed to meet the EU 2030 packaging target for recycled content. For paper-based applications, its r-JetPrint Aquaskin uses 100 percent recycled paper with unique barrier coatings, targeting markets like wine labels that require both sustainability and elegance.

Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives mirrored this commitment with its Re-Play Tintoretto product, a premium wine labeling material made from recycled fibers, reinforcing the integration of post-consumer materials into high-end aesthetics. For demanding industrial applications like tire and pharmaceutical labeling, Fedrigoni featured materials with chemically recycled content, ensuring durability and optimal end-of-life outcomes.

Even components outside the label laminate itself are seeing high recycled content integration. Ahlstrom debuted its Acti-V RF liners, which utilize 15 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) fibers in its manufacturing, and the Acti-V RF Natural liners, a blend of at least 50 percent unbleached and 15 percent PCR fibers.

Elkem launched Silcolease Re Poly 11362 and Silcolease Re Poly 368, two additions to its silicone range that are 100 percent recycled silicone-based and solvent-free. Developed using a patented depolymerization technology, these products have a 70 percent lower carbon footprint than their non-recycled counterparts while delivering identical technical performance.

Linerless labels

The linerless label segment was one of the most dynamic areas of material innovation, driven by the clear objective of eliminating the single largest source of label waste: the release liner. Moving beyond simple logistics applications, the new products focused on reliable adhesive performance, high-speed dispensing and application diversity.

Herma was a key player in this space, promoting its Herma InNo-Liner system. This technology focuses on eliminating liner waste and reducing associated logistics costs. The technology features the unique 82S adhesive, which is only activated at the moment of dispensing and then immediately and permanently sticks to the substrate.

According to the company, the complete elimination of this residue also means the complete elimination of the previously necessary and expensive disposal or recycling processes. Users, print shops and the environment can also rejoice for other reasons: because there is no liner, more labels fit on a roll, which in turn are easier to transport and take up less space in the warehouse.

Lintec expanded its linerless offering with a novel approach for packaging and logistics. The company showcased a linerless sealing tape that uses water-activated adhesive applied directly to the base material. This product merges shipping information with the sealing function, cutting label consumption and eliminating liner waste. Lintec highlighted that a key benefit is the secure detachment of address details to safeguard personal data upon removal.

HB Fuller supported the linerless trend with specialized adhesive technology, featuring its Gel-Tac Linerless technology. This is part of its microsphere adhesive range, engineered for self-wound products where residue-free removal and consistent adhesion are crucial throughout the product lifecycle. It expands the application of linerless technology beyond logistics to consumer products that require repositionability.

“Selecting the right label is essential to elevate sustainability, especially now as EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation requirements place even more pressure on packaging”

Henkel Adhesive Technologies showcased high-performance PSA adhesive products specifically developed for linerless label applications, noting that they ‘reduce the amount of material used and increase process efficiency in label printing.’ Philippe Daval, head of market strategy packaging Europe at Henkel Adhesive Technologies, underscores the significance of holistic problem-
solving: ‘Companies aiming to remain competitive must address sustainability, performance and regulation as a whole and work with partners from the industry to overcome the challenges.’

Compostable materials

While recyclability remains the dominant pursuit, compostable materials were featured to address specific niches, particularly food waste packaging and short-cycle, high-organic-waste applications.

These materials are designed to break down effectively in industrial composting facilities, preventing label residue from contaminating organic waste streams.

Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives featured compostable paper and film alternatives prominently in its portfolio. These products target applications where the label and the package contents (like food) are disposed of together, or where recycling infrastructure is weak but composting is available.

Polyart Group introduced Fiberskin Tag, an innovative 100 percent paper that is not only recyclable and biodegradable but also compostable. This material offers excellent tear resistance, making it suitable for demanding applications like plant tags, while adhering to environmental end-of-life standards, the company says.

Mondi showcased its broader commitment to sustainable packaging with its FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate. While primarily a high-barrier paper for flexible packaging, its underlying material science principles, focused on paper-based structures with high functionality, inform the future of paper label substrates. This development supports the push for monomaterial paper packaging, where labels must be easily repulpable or fully compostable.

Global Label Award winner for sustainability, Bio4Life exhibited its certified range of film and paper face stocks paired with its BioTAK home-compostable adhesive. It emphasized the necessity of using a fully certified laminate structure (face, adhesive and liner) to ensure the entire label breaks down efficiently. Bio4Life directly addressed the challenge of fruit and vegetable labeling by offering products that safely enter the organic waste stream without contaminating it.

Wash-off labels

Wash-off label technology was a significant focal point, as it directly supports two crucial industry goals: enhancing the quality of recycled resin (especially PET) and enabling container reuse (particularly for glass bottles). The separation of the label from the container during the washing phase of recycling is non-negotiable for achieving high-grade recycled materials.

Avery Dennison presented an expanded AD CleanGlass portfolio, including a new white film option, developed for reusable glass packaging. The clear and white versions are engineered to wash off completely in a conventional bottle washer at 80 deg C. This development is key to supporting brand-owner mandates for refillable and reusable glass bottles.

Herma highlighted its advanced wash-off adhesive, which is engineered to ensure a 100 percent film label wash-off rate for PET bottle recycling. This level of clean separation is essential to prevent contamination of the PET flake stream, which is then reprocessed into new bottles.

Henkel demonstrated its leadership in adhesive science with its recyclable pressure-sensitive adhesives showcased under the theme ‘Enabling circularity in labels with adhesives and coatings.’ The company’s wash-off PSAs are designed for PET bottles and can be removed without residue, even at lower temperatures, which helps save energy in the recycling process. This line includes Aquence PS 3017 RE, which was a recognized award winner, underscoring the performance aspect of sustainable adhesives.

HB Fuller offered multiple adhesives for the wash-off requirement. Its Fulltak SE 8308 is a water-based adhesive offering best-in-class cold water wash-off performance, enabling the clean removal of paper labels from various substrates. For glass, particularly beer and wine bottles. Fulltak SE 8306 is designed for alkali wash-off while maintaining ice water resistance for chilled products. The company stresses that its wash-off adhesives ‘support sustainable solutions for both plastic and glass packaging, enabling paper and filmic labels to be cleanly removed across a wide range of surfaces.’

Security and durability

While sustainability dominated the show, brand protection and product integrity remained critical drivers for material innovation, especially in pharmaceuticals and durable goods. This area involved using advanced substrates and unique material compositions to ensure traceability, resistance and anti-counterfeiting measures.

Avery Dennison addressed brand protection and durability for sensitive products with a UV Barrier film label range for pharmaceuticals. This clear film protects UV-sensitive medicines while maintaining high transparency, allowing healthcare professionals to inspect the contents visually.

Additionally, in the durable goods and electric vehicle battery sectors, the company’s chemically recycled PET labels can incorporate features such as flame retardancy and be combined with RFID technology to support complete product traceability and authentication.

“The material changes are a response to regulatory pressure, confirming that the company is delivering materials aligned with circular economy goals like the PPWR”

The focus on high-performance films was evident across other suppliers. Lintec showcased materials specifically for medical and pharmaceutical applications, including specialized skin-contact tapes from its Mactac group. The launch of Re Chill, a removable label material for chilled applications like food and logistics, also contributes to product integrity by adhering reliably in cold, damp, or oily environments, yet remaining easily removable to facilitate recycling.

Nobelus focused on premium aesthetic and brand differentiation through its specialty finish films for prime labels. Its portfolio, which includes soft-touch, prismatic holographic patterns, and other unique effects, is vital for brands aiming for high-end shelf stand-out and perceived quality, both of which are forms of brand protection. These unsupported films provide a high-quality finish required for demanding brand specifications.

PSA innovation

The adhesive segment is the linchpin of label performance and sustainability. Beyond wash-off capabilities, material suppliers aggressively launched new pressure-sensitive adhesives, prioritizing water-based, solvent-free and high-performance options for all major label categories.

HB Fuller emphasized its water-based expertise, launching Swifttak PS 8405, a water-based PSA with non-water whitening properties. This is essential for achieving the popular ‘no-label look’ on PET containers, offering superior clarity and resistance to water whitening, a crucial performance feature for beverage and personal care brands.

Henkel Adhesive Technologies focused on reducing the environmental impact of its production process alongside product performance. Henkel also promoted its UV-curable PSAs, which offer high energy efficiency during the curing
process and strong resistance for demanding applications like the medical sector.

Herma’s material innovations, such as the linerless adhesive, are rooted in advanced PSA engineering. The company’s comprehensive expertise covers the entire self-adhesive chain, which means its new wash-off PSAs are designed to function optimally with its own film and paper substrates, achieving the highest performance standards for PET recycling.

VPF emphasized its role as a flexible partner and specialist in non-standard materials and adhesives. Its VPF Modular System allows for a combination of over 400 facestocks with over 30 specialty adhesives, including permanent, removable, hotmelt and special products like UV-Acrylics and pasteurizable grades.

It confirmed its commitment to sustainability with a focus on ‘innovative, flexible and versatile’ products, including those with wash-off properties and durable performance for extreme conditions.

Sappi contributed significantly to the infrastructure supporting PSAs with its specialty papers for release liners. Its new Sol BCK liner is a CCK paper designed to replace traditional PCK papers, promising a greatly improved carbon footprint by eliminating plastic coating and improving recyclability.

The company emphasized that this technology offers ‘significant cost savings’ alongside sustainability benefits, providing the crucial base material for the PSA industry to advance its own circularity goals.

Weight reduction

Beyond recycled content, the drive to use less material without compromising integrity was evident through the broad adoption of down-gauged films and monomaterial constructions. Suppliers exhibited a focus on BOPP, PE and PET films that are thinner and lighter, directly translating to lower raw material consumption and lower transport emissions.

Innovia Films explicitly linked its investment in new European extrusion technology to the ability to produce thinner, lighter, and higher-clarity films like CPE and WPE, which significantly reduce the carbon footprint.

Simon Huber, managing director of Innovia Films Europe, notes that the material changes are a response to regulatory pressure, confirming that the company is delivering ‘materials aligned with circular economy goals like the PPWR.’ The development of RayoFloat, a low-density material that floats in recycling wash tanks, ensuring clean removal and preventing contamination of the PET stream, highlights the engineering focus on end-of-life performance for filmic substrates.

Taghleef Industries focused on lightweight materials to save significant resources, ensuring that the minimalist and functional design of its flexible films does not compromise protection or aesthetics. The films are designed to meet a
wide range of demanding applications, from food to cosmetics, demonstrating the industry’s ability to combine performance with resource efficiency.

The company unveiled three new films at the show. Rather than presenting them in a conventional format, the company displayed each as a work of art. Shape360 TDSW is a white film for TD shrink sleeve labels, specifically developed for light-sensitive products. It also launched a new decorative film substrate. And finally, an innovative detachable in-mold label film technology that is widely used for decorating rigid PP containers. The key breakthrough is the film’s detachability, which is fully aligned with the PPWR and RecyClass guidelines.

Stocco shares: ‘The evolving EU regulatory environment is not a limitation, it’s an invitation to innovate more boldly. These films represent not just product advancements, but a new mindset around what labeling and packaging solutions can achieve.’

Mondi’s paper-based products, such as the high-barrier paper, represent a shift toward maximum functionality in a mono-material paper structure, capable of replacing multi-layer plastic or aluminum. This development underscores the overall trend towards simplification of materials to improve the effectiveness of recycling processes, a goal shared by the label and flexible packaging sectors.

Armor Iimak, focusing on thermal transfer media, launched the AWR XL wax ribbon, which features the thinnest 3.35 micron PET film in the industry. While a separate component, this innovation directly contributes to the industry’s goal of material reduction, resulting in up to 26 percent less plastic waste per roll. This highlights the industry-wide commitment to down-gauging across all components of the labeling process.

Aluminum Feron focused on materials engineered for durability and specialized operational requirements across various industrial and tracking applications. The company featured its range of durable substrates for labels and tags, including specialized substrates like Tritex, which are engineered for extreme durability, metal detectability in certain food production environments, or for integration with RFID protection in logistics and asset tracking.

“Companies aiming to remain competitive must address sustainability, performance and regulation as a whole and work with partners from the industry to overcome the challenges”

Comercial Arque highlighted its range of specialty aesthetic papers and films targeted at the premium branding segment. Its focus was on materials that provide unique tactile sensations or visual effects (such as deep embossing or holographic finishes) while ensuring compatibility with high-speed digital printing technologies, allowing luxury brands to achieve differentiation in short print runs.

Fangda Packaging presented its diverse portfolio of flexible packaging and label materials, with a specific emphasis on high-barrier mono-material solutions. Its focus was on enabling the conversion of multilayer, non-recyclable flexible packaging structures into simpler, label-friendly formats that maintain the necessary oxygen and moisture barriers for fresh food applications.

Frimpeks showcased its comprehensive position as a supplier of inks, coatings, and labelstock, demonstrating how the three components can be optimized for challenging applications. It featured a range of UV-curable PSAs and coatings designed to provide superior chemical and abrasion resistance for durable industrial and automotive labels, ensuring compliance and longevity in extreme conditions.

Hueck Folien, known for its expertise in high-security and holographic materials, introduced new anti-counterfeiting filmic substrates for labels. These materials integrate micro-text, visible, and invisible security features directly into the film structure, making them essential for high-value goods, pharmaceuticals, and duty stamps, protecting brand integrity while remaining compatible with standard label converting processes.

Jinya Label highlighted its specialty in thin-gauge, high-yield label face stocks. Its exhibit focused die-cutting and dispensing, particularly in the thermal paper and direct thermal film segments, by optimizing material thickness and coating chemistry for maximum efficiency.

MLJ Industries focused on industrial and automotive applications, showcasing durable film and foil materials designed to withstand engine oils, brake fluids and sustained high temperatures. It presented a new high-adhesion, chemical-resistant acrylic adhesive that maintains its bond strength on low-surface energy plastics and metal surfaces, even under prolonged exposure to harsh conditions.

Synthogra introduced its pioneering approach to flexible packaging and label films through its High-Barrier One-Substrate Film. This technology addresses material reduction and recyclability in one product. By offering a true mono-material composition in a high-barrier format, Synthogra minimizes complexity in the recycling stream.

Talking more about the products, Nanette Thomas comments: ‘At Synthogra, performance, productivity and responsibility go hand in hand. One example is our Syn-Durable, a product we continue to refine. It delivers speed and efficiency on the press while also reducing plastic use by adding more than 40 percent minerals. The result: less plastic, without compromising quality or productivity. This is how we combine high performance with responsibility.’

Yupo introduced its latest highly sustainable synthetic paper grades. These new materials are designed to be fully recyclable where a mono-material polypropylene stream is established. Yupo focused on its enhanced surface treatments that ensure superior print fidelity and fast-drying times for both UV inkjet and HP Indigo digital presses, maintaining the durability and water resistance that synthetic paper is known for.

Engineered material science

Labelexpo Europe 2025 confirmed that the label industry is undergoing a profound transformation, moving from incremental improvements to engineered material technologies that address the mandate for circularity. The showcased materials, from chemically recycled PET films and PCR-content papers to wash-off adhesives and the complete elimination of waste through linerless systems, all reflect a cohesive strategy.

Edit content

Adyasha Sinha

India and MENA editor

Article Also Filed in:

Top story

Article type

Features

Solimar updates SOLitrack platform

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 03:11:09 +0000

Solimar Systems has released version 2.6 of SOLitrack, its database-driven output management and job tracking platform, introducing automated workflow features, scheduled reporting capabilities and expanded USPS mail tracking for high-volume production environments.

The update delivers automated station group management with intelligent station configuration that sets personalized default views based on group membership, alongside an enterprise scheduling engine that enables automated delivery of production metrics and performance reports.

'These updates represent a significant leap forward in production automation and visibility,' noted Mary Ann Rowan, CXO at Solimar Systems. 'By focusing on intelligent automation and scheduled reporting, we're enabling print facilities to operate with unprecedented efficiency while maintaining complete oversight of their operations.'

The platform now includes smart piece-level reprint automation that enables automated reprocessing of specific pieces within a job, with the system automatically generating tracked child reprint jobs with full reason code documentation for quality control and audit compliance.

Version 2.6 adds comprehensive support for USPS SingleSource ACS fulfillment mail processing, providing enhanced visibility into mail piece lifecycle management, real-time delivery tracking and confirmation, automated address correction workflows and compliance reporting.

SOLitrack Mobile receives advanced filter logic with Boolean operators and sophisticated filtering options, alongside responsive dashboard controls and streamlined checkpoint-based alert management with mobile-optimized response workflows.

The update is available immediately to existing customers and can be integrated with current Solimar Chemistry platform deployments while maintaining compatibility with existing production hardware and software environments.

Posted date

3 weeks 3 days ago

Short title

Solimar updates SOLitrack platform

Short summary

Version 2.6 adds automated reporting and mail tracking capabilities

First paragraph

Version 2.6 adds automated reporting and mail tracking capabilities

Regions

North America

Other topics

New products

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

Workflow, MIS & inspection

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

redirected

Off

New products

Interket UK launches UV-Readable label technology

Aldus Tronics launches linerless labeler

Xeikon unveils subscription-model press at Labelexpo Asia

Hybrid Software releases Packz 11.5

Xeikon launches Ecolyne subscription press

Labelexpo Europe 2025: Chinese exhibitors

Yolanda Wang

Share this

Stay up to date

ABG expands with new InkJet range

Tageos expands RFID inlays portfolio

Labelexpo Europe 2025: Materials

Adyasha Sinha

Share this

Stay up to date

Solimar updates SOLitrack platform