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Henkel celebrates 25 years of Technomelt Supra

Akanksha Meena — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:13:56 +0000

Henkel Adhesive Technologies’ Technomelt Supra product range has stood for high-performance hotmelt adhesives for 25 years. With thermal stability and strong adhesion even on challenging substrates, it laid the foundation in 2001.

‘Technomelt Supra was not only a milestone in hotmelt technology but also in our 150-year company history,’ said Marcel Hübenthal, global director technology hotmelts at Henkel. ‘This innovation is both proof and driver of the continuous advancement of our packaging solutions.’

The original goal was to replace hotmelts based on ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), which often led to quality and efficiency losses due to limited temperature and aging resistance. With Technomelt Supra, Henkel set a new standard, a polyolefin-based adhesive that delivers significantly higher processing reliability while reducing consumption rates marking the beginning of an entire generation of modern hotmelts, the company reported.

Technomelt Supra is thermally stable than conventional adhesives, protecting application equipment and nozzles. It is also colorless and odorless, making it suitable for food packaging. Thanks to its broad application range, manufacturers have been able to bond diverse substrates and packaging types with a single adhesive technology since its introduction, a major simplification in production. In addition, its highly efficient formulation reduces consumption by up to 30 percent, resulting in cost savings.

Over the years, Henkel has continuously evolved the product line to meet changing requirements. One example is Technomelt Supra Cool, which lowers energy consumption thanks to significantly reduced application temperatures.

Another milestone toward sustainability was achieved in 2021 with the launch of Technomelt Supra Eco. This hotmelt family, based on bio-based raw materials, improves the CO2 footprint without compromising performance. It is the first hotmelt solution to enable a negative cradle-to-gate CO2 balance, a breakthrough that has won multiple awards, according to Henkel. Technomelt Supra Eco first received Henkel’s internal Fritz Henkel Award for Innovation and, a year later, the Packaging Europe Sustainability Award in the ‘Climate’ category.

For high-speed applications, such as those common in the pharmaceutical industry, the Supra range also offers a tailored solution with the high-performance hotmelt Technomelt Supra Pro.

'With Technomelt Supra, we are making a significant contribution to transforming the packaging industry and providing our customers with solutions that combine efficiency and sustainability,' added Hübenthal.

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Technomelt Supra is thermally stable than conventional adhesives, protecting application equipment and nozzles.

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Nilpeter opens new technology center in Bucharest

Akanksha Meena — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:05:55 +0000

Nilpeter has strengthened its presence in South Eastern Europe with the opening of a new Technology Centre in Bucharest, Romania, hosted at the premises of long-standing partner Euro Top Grafix SRL.

The new center represents a strategic step designed to support customers and partners in the region with easier access to technology demonstrations, application expertise, and closer collaboration across the label and packaging value chain.

To mark the opening, Euro Top Grafix and Nilpeter will host an open house event on March 5, inviting converters, brand owners, and industry stakeholders to experience live production and dedicated presentations focused on productivity, print quality and sustainable manufacturing.

A central highlight of the open house will be the opportunity to see Nilpeter’s flexo flagship, the FA-Line, in operation. Visitors will be able to explore the press platform up close, discuss application requirements, and gain insight into how modern flexo technology continues to raise the bar for efficiency and versatility in label and flexible packaging production.

Alongside the live demos, the program will include presentations and technical contributions from a strong line-up of industry partners, including Toyo Inks, GEW, Flexowash, Nilpeter, Xsys, and others.

By establishing the Technology Centre in Bucharest, Nilpeter and Euro Top Grafix are creating a dedicated hub to help customers evaluate solutions, test job scenarios, and accelerate decision-making with hands-on access to equipment and expertise.

Cristian Hatagan, owner of Euro Top Grafix SRL, said: ‘We are proud to take this next step together with Nilpeter. Our partnership has been built on trust, shared ambition, and a strong focus on supporting customers with the right solutions. With the new Technology Centre in Bucharest, we are creating a place where the industry can meet, learn, and see the latest technology in action.’

Alex Aarslew-Jensen, international sales manager at Nilpeter, added: ‘Euro Top Grafix has been a valued partner for many years, and this new Technology Centre is a powerful example of what long-term collaboration can create. It enables us to support customers in the region more directly, demonstrate the capabilities of the FA-Line, and work closely with partners to help converters build even stronger, more efficient production.’

The Open House event on March 5 will bring together technology, expertise, and practical insights for visitors to discuss current challenges and explore opportunities for improved performance and competitiveness.

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S Kumar eyes East Africa expansion with Zonten

Akanksha Meena — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 11:46:00 +0000

Conventional printing 19 January 2026

S Kumar eyes East Africa expansion with Zonten

Chinese press manufacturer Zonten is targeting East Africa through its distributor network. The manufacturer sees opportunities for affordable, quality machinery.

S Kumar, an India-based distributor of Zonten presses and converting machines, is eyeing the East African market with plans to establish a local presence in Kenya to service the region, including Tanzania and Uganda, in 2026.

The move aims to tap into what Manish Hansoti, managing director of the company, describes as a market that’s ripe for opportunity, and one with demand for affordable label and packaging equipment.

‘We are planning to start operations for Zonten in East Africa, mainly in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda,’ Hansoti says. ‘We have had a few installations recently, and most printers in the region are Indian-owned. They rely on support from India because they are connected to the Indian market.’

He sees geographical proximity, that’s well-connected by air, as a strategic advantage. ‘There are several fl ights from Ahmedabad and Mumbai to the Middle East and Africa within a span of eight to 10 hours, which allows us to provide timely service and support,’ Hansoti adds.

S Kumar, which has already installed presses in Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, believes East Africa represents one of the few remaining untapped regions. ‘This is a virgin market, there’s not much presence of machine suppliers yet,’ Hansoti says. ‘The neighboring countries are getting saturated, so we’re looking to set up something new in this region.’

Affordable technology

Zonten’s product range includes a mix of small slitting and converting equipment as well as high-end flexo to semi-rotary and full-rotary offset presses. The company showcased an economical flexo model with two servo drives and flower type mode at Labelexpo Europe 2025, designed specifically for price-sensitive markets, such as Africa and other countries. This machine can print all types of substrates like paper, fi lm, shrink sleeve, IML and 300gsm board and runs at 160m/min. The ZTR-FL series 370/430/ 560 size modular flexographic press showcases its versatility with features such as UV/LED curing, die-cutting, slitting, cold foil capabilities and online inspecting facility as an optional feature.

The company’s highlights at the show included the ZTJ Series intermittent offset press, which delivers high-resolution output, precise color control and minimal waste, making it suitable for short to mid-run label production.

Zonten has already installed several units of ZTJ series in India and is now promoting it across Africa. S Kumar has recently installed second intermittent offset press at Ramdoot Packaging.

We have had a few installations recently, and most printers in the region are Indian-owned. They rely on support from India

Zonten also debuted the ZTD-350 hybrid digital-flexo press with Epson printheads which combines W + CMYKW digital printing with flexo enhancements for variable data and fast job changeovers. Additionally, the ZMQ Series Multi Converting System demonstrates a compact, all-in-one approach that integrates flexo, flatbed hot foil, screen printing, cold foil, intermittent die-cutting, IML cutting and sheeting.

The ZMQ press is designed for embellishment on digital printed or offset/flexo printed labels. Recently, a customer from Nairobi has installed the embellishment unit to support its digital press.

Supporting local converters

Initial installations have included stack-type flexo presses, embellishment machines, die-cutters and hot foil converting equipment in East Africa.

These machines complement existing digital printing setups such as HP Indigo presses in the region.

S Kumar plans to appoint a local marketing and engineering representative to ensure timely service and customer support.

‘You cannot provide the required support without a local presence. Initially, we’ll have a resident engineer who can handle both technical and marketing functions, and we’ll see how it develops,’ Hansoti explains.

The company is particularly interested in the food, healthcare, beverage, lubricant oil and pharmaceutical markets, which are experiencing strong growth in East Africa. These segments are expanding rapidly and the company aims to support converters who cater to these markets.

S Kumar is focusing on providing scalable technology that grows with the region’s printing capabilities. Initially, customers may not invest in high-end models, but Hansoti believes that as the market grows, the company will grow with it.

As S Kumar prepares to enter the East African market, the company sees the move not only as a business opportunity but also as a step toward building a long-term partnership with regional converters.

‘We see strong potential in this region,’ Hansoti concluded. ‘Our goal is to grow together with our customers and support the development of a more self-sufficient printing ecosystem in East Africa.’

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HP reports digital press growth

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:08:05 +0000

HP has announced sustained customer momentum across its HP Indigo and HP PageWide installed base worldwide, with accelerated investment, rising production volumes and deeper adoption of automation.

The company said the growth reflects a structural shift in the print industry toward industrial-scale digital manufacturing, driven by demand for shorter runs, faster time to market, increased variability and more resilient, data-driven operations.

'drupa 2024 marked a clear inflection point for the industry,' stated Haim Levit, SVP and division president at HP Industrial Print. 'What we have seen since then is not incremental adoption, but a fundamental rethinking of how production is designed and operated. Customers are unlocking profitable growth powered by nonstop digital printing, investing with confidence in high-productivity, AI-enabled digital platforms that deliver consistency, predictability and scalability.'

Globally, customers have expanded deployment of HP Indigo LEP and LEPx technologies alongside HP PageWide high-performance thermal inkjet platforms, increasingly implemented as part of an integrated, AI-enabled production ecosystem supported by HP PrintOS and intelligent workflow software.

In labels, digital printing continues to expand beyond short-run applications, with the HP Indigo V12 powered by LEPx technology delivering industrial-level productivity and end-to-end automation. The press enables converters to transition larger, traditionally analog workloads to digital at scale.

Flexible packaging has become the fastest-growing segment in the print industry, with HP continuing to strengthen its leadership position through the scalability and material versatility of HP Indigo LEP and LEPx technologies.

'HP continues to set the pace for industrial digital print,' noted Tim Greene, research director at IDC. 'Its LEP and LEPx technologies, combined with one of the industry's largest cloud-connected installed bases, give converters the productivity and consistency required for high-speed digital environments.'

Since drupa 2024, Cimpress has added 16 HP Indigo presses, including ten HP Indigo 120K systems, expanding production capacity across multiple facilities. The group has now surpassed three million impressions, with European operations maintaining S4 and S5 OEE above 60 percent.

RRD has expanded installations of both HP PageWide and HP Indigo platforms across multiple regions, supporting growth across direct mail, labels, packaging and commercial print, including installations of the HP PageWide T4250 HDR.

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Labels as a strategic tool

Akanksha Meena — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 04:55:47 +0000

Brand owners & design 05 January 2026

Labels as a strategic tool

No longer just a medium for providing basic product information, labels have become a powerful tool to deliver storytelling, compliance and functionality and they continue to transform.

Labels have long been one of the most powerful brand assets in consumer packaged goods, but the pace of change in recent years has been extraordinary, says Jennifer Dochstader, co-founder of LPC.

LPC, an agency for the print and packaging industries, aims to help companies across the supply chain grow through marketing, communications and industry-specific research. The company has over 25 years of experience conducting printed packaging-focused studies and surveys to help its customers, including technology suppliers, converters and associations with a competitive edge and market insights.

Dochstader observes that from sustainability requirements to digital innovation, labels have become a strategic tool that carries the weight of branding, storytelling, compliance and performance for brands.

‘Shorter, more targeted runs have become the norm as brands respond to niche segmentation, seasonal campaigns and the need to stand out in crowded e-commerce listings. At the same time, premium cues like tactile varnishes and textured papers, once reserved for luxury categories, are increasingly visible in everyday products like condiments, personal care and coffee,’ she says.

Sustainability in labels has moved far beyond a marketing tool to become a procurement priority for brands.

‘Sustainability influences everything from substrates and adhesives to graphic design choices. And on the production side, digital and hybrid printing are no longer viewed as short-run solutions, but as essential platforms for agility, enabling rapid design changes and cost-effective versioning that help brands keep pace with the market,’ Dochstader adds.

Sustainability influences everything from substrates and adhesives to graphic design choices

The trend is expected to gain further momentum as new sustainability regulations are introduced worldwide, with increasingly strict timelines approaching.

Global regulatory changes are pushing brands to design with compliance in mind from the outset, particularly when it comes to recyclability and sustainability claims.

‘And then there’s the economic layer in the current geopolitical landscape. Tariffs, raw material volatility and transportation costs are forcing brands and converters to become more resourceful, finding ways to produce high-impact labels while optimizing material use and workflows,’ Dochstader explains.

At the same time, several different forces are converging to reshape the label market.

One of the drivers is consumer behavior. Shoppers expect freshness, variety and transparency, which means more frequent label updates and bolder, clearer communication. Retail and e-commerce dynamics are also at play; a label now has to work just as hard in a thumbnail image as it does on a physical shelf.

Brand priorities

When it comes to decision-making, brand owners are focused on three primary factors.

‘The first is differentiation. In a saturated market, labels function as the silent sales pitch, telling the brand’s story before the product is even picked up,’ says Dochstader.

The second priority is functional performance. If the product is being moved from a freezer to a microwave or is likely to be exposed to condensation, heat or chemicals, the label must maintain its integrity under all these conditions.

The third is sustainability, which remains a central concern. It is now embedded in decision-making around substrates, adhesives, ink and drying/curing methodologies. And hovering over all of these factors is speed-to-market, particularly for seasonal SKUs or trend-driven launches, across end-use segments, where agility often matters more than unit price.

Finishing and embellishment

Breakthroughs in both materials and finishing technologies are fueling new opportunities for brands. As an industry observer, Dochstader highlights some of the most exciting innovations in finishing and embellishment technologies.

‘There’s so much happening in materials science and finishing right now that it’s hard to pick favorites,’ she notes.

‘Mono-material construction development is exciting because these substrates simplify recycling without sacrificing design freedom. We’re also constantly seeing innovation in adhesives, like clean wash-off options for PET recycling and compostable choices for food labels. These constructions are meeting both sustainability and performance demands.’

In finishing, digital embellishment has achieved new levels of sophistication.

‘Digital embellishment has reached a point where metallic and tactile effects can be produced without the environmental or cost impact of foil or additional tooling,’ she highlights.

Lastly, connected packaging has developed into a meaningful and essential tool for brands to connect beyond the product with customers and share information that cannot fit on the packaging or label.

‘Whether through QR codes or NFC, which has evolved beyond marketing gimmicks into tools for traceability, authentication and richer consumer engagement. All these forces work together in making a product’s label an increasingly valuable and essential tool to label and printed packaging buyers.’

As the label industry continues to evolve, its role will only deepen. Emerging technologies, new material innovations, and heightened sustainability expectations will redefine what a label can achieve.

The next phase is creating connected, sustainable and compliant products to help brands build trust and relevance in a fast-changing world.

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Avery Dennison and IIP forge academic collaboration

Adyasha Sinha — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 10:14:14 +0000

Avery Dennison has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) at the institute’s Mumbai campus to advance capability building within India’s packaging landscape. The organizations plan to launch a management development program, especially for mid-level packaging professionals working in food and beverages, home and personal care, wine and spirits, pharmaceuticals, lubricants, agrochemicals, solar batteries, automobiles and appliances industries.

The MoU was formally signed by R K Mishra (Indian Revenue Service officer, director of IIP and additional director general of foreign trade, Mumbai) and Saurabh Agrawal (vice president and general manager, Avery Dennison, South Asia).

The program will be a three-day course, conducted across IIP Mumbai and Avery Dennison’s Pune facility, combining academic learning with practical, hands-on industry exposure. Facilitators will include senior industry leaders, accomplished academicians and varied thought leaders from the packaging world.

Representatives from both organizations are confident that this collaboration will significantly enhance capability-building efforts, bridge the gap between academic training and industry needs and contribute to the long-term growth of India’s packaging ecosystem.

'This MoU marks a significant milestone for the packaging industry in India, as this is the first time an industry leader is joining hands with an academic institution to augment the industry’s packaging talent. This aligns with our ongoing efforts to contribute meaningfully to the Indian ecosystem,' said Agarwal.

'The MoU is aimed at bringing capacity building to a new level for the packaging industry leadership with a focus on leveraging the emerging opportunities as well as fulfilling the societal obligations of sustainable development,' noted Mishra.

The program will target mid-level packaging talent working with brands across segments to help them accelerate their packaging careers in light of fast-changing external factors such as AI, sustainability, compliance and fast-evolving consumer behaviour. The program will offer valuable exposure to real-world applications, emerging technologies and expert insights from practitioners, better preparing the members for future leadership roles in their organizations. The first batch will commence in March 2026 and will be a cohort of 20 candidates.

This partnership reaffirms Avery Dennison’s commitment to elevating the standard of packaging education and professional development across the country.

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European label industry recovering

Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 02:33:51 +0000

The European label industry has reported an uneven recovery from post-COVID volatility, with roll labelestock demand in 2024 returning to 2016 levels despite significant regional variations, according to Finat's European Label Forum 2025.

Jules Lejeune, representing Finat, stated that while the industry caught up three years of lost volume in 2024 alone, overall performance remains below pre-COVID levels, with structural changes including the exclusion of Russia and Belarus from market data and increased sourcing from countries outside Europe reshaping the competitive landscape.

'In 2023 we were back at 2013 levels, so in one year, we caught up three years. But we're still behind pre-COVID performance,' commented Lejeune.

The forum, held in May, brought together business leaders across the European label value chain to address challenges including global economic pressures, shifting consumer attitudes and tightening sustainability regulations.

Corey Reardon, president and CEO of AWA Alexander Watson Associates, highlighted consolidation and vertical integration as defining features of the current market. The pressure-sensitive segment represents 39 percent of the global label market, with Europe accounting for 22 percent of global label production, though competitive pressure from Asia, particularly China, continues to intensify.

'There's opportunity in being more than a converter – the winners will be those who collaborate across the value chain to offer full-service, sustainable solutions,' noted Reardon.

Consumer research presented by Linda Lichtmess, Euromonitor’s consultant, revealed that health consciousness, long-term value thinking and skepticism toward vague sustainability claims dominate consumer behavior heading into 2025.

'Consumers still want sustainable options, but they demand proof. Efficiency, functionality and real benefits are the new currency of trust,' stated Lichtmess.

Paul Jenkins, founder of ThePackHub, emphasized that sustainability has become the core driver of innovation across the label and packaging sector, with compliance and recyclability requirements creating opportunities for forward-thinking converters.

'Think about the billions of labels produced last year. Where are they now? Incinerated? In landfills? Sustainability is not a 'nice-to-have' – it's a must,' said Jenkins.

The industry panel, featuring representatives from All4Labels, Asteria and Reckitt, emphasized that label suppliers must evolve beyond traditional roles to become strategic partners guiding brand owners through design, recyclability and compliance challenges.

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The critical role of cryogenic labels in modern science

Adyasha Sinha — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 09:52:35 +0000

Market trends 12 December 2025

The critical role of cryogenic labels in modern science

Find out how cryogenic labels are preserving the precious data in an environment where temperatures drop as low as -196 deg C.

In the quiet, climate-controlled heart of a modern laboratory, a small vial holds the potential for a cure, a new diagnostic tool or a lifeline for a patient. Within a biobank, millions of such vials are stored, each containing a unique and irreplaceable biological sample. These samples are preserved at the most extreme of temperatures, often in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen at a chilling -196 deg C. At this frontier of scientific preservation, the integrity of a tiny, unassuming component is non-negotiable: the cryogenic label. Cryogenic labels are highly engineered products that must withstand conditions that would cause a standard sticker to crack, peel or fade into illegibility within minutes.

The failure of a cryogenic label is not a mere inconvenience. It can lead to the misidentification or loss of a sample, compromising years of research, invalidating a clinical trial, or jeopardizing patient safety. As the fields of personalized medicine, cell and gene therapy and biobanking expand at an exponential rate, the cryogenic label has transformed from a simple accessory into a foundational component of the scientific and medical cold chain.

The growth of the cryo market

The demand for reliable cryogenic labels is a direct reflection of the surging industries they support. According to a market analysis by Grand View Research, the global cryogenic label market was valued at 1.12 billion USD in 2024 and is projected to reach 2.15 billion USD by 2034, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.64 percent. This growth is not uniform but driven by specific, high-stakes applications.

As Paavo Sillanpää, senior manager at UPM Adhesive Materials, notes: ‘The cryogenic label market has enjoyed a healthy growth rate in recent years due to an increase in the number of biobanks, advances in research for biological drugs, cell therapies, genomics and regenerative medicine.’

Paavo Sillanpää, senior manager, ecosystem pharma and healthcare, EMEIA, UPM Adhesive Materials

Other industry experts echo this sentiment. Gabriela Gregor, senior marketing manager, pharma and specialty, Avery Dennison, shares: ‘We have seen an increased number of requests for labels used for cryogenic applications over the past years. It started during Covid-19 as the delivery of vaccines required low temperatures. Since then, the ultra-low temperature products have been steadily rising due to the advancement in biologic and genetic therapeutics.’

The science behind cryogenic labels

When selecting a cryogenic label, several key features are paramount to ensuring long-term success.

It goes without saying that labels must be certified to perform reliably at the full range of cryogenic temperatures, from -20 deg C (standard freezer), to -80 deg C (ultra-low temperature freezer), to the ultimate challenge of -196 deg C (liquid nitrogen).

“The primary challenge is achieving sufficient adhesion level at such a low temperature. A crucial aspect of this is the wide temperature range a label must endure."

The labels must also be able to withstand exposure to common laboratory solvents without smudging or peeling. What makes a label capable of surviving a liquid nitrogen bath? It is a complex, engineered system where every component is chosen for its ability to function under extreme duress. This is often achieved through a combination of the right facestock, a robust thermal transfer ribbon, cryogenic adhesives and a protective topcoat.

Adhesion at sub-zero temperatures

The adhesive is arguably the most critical component. A standard adhesive loses its tackiness and becomes rigid below its glass transition temperature. In this temperature range, a polymer-based adhesive undergoes a transition from a hard, brittle, glassy state to a soft, flexible, rubbery state or vice versa. It can’t conform to the shrinking surface of a vial, causing it to peel or delaminate. Cryogenic adhesives are formulated to remain flexible and functional at extremely low temperatures. Most cryogenic adhesives are specialized acrylics formulated for this purpose.

A key challenge is the difference in thermal contraction between the label material and the surface to which it’s applied, such as a polypropylene vial. The label and the vial will shrink at different rates, creating immense stress on the adhesive bond. A properly engineered cryogenic adhesive possesses a specific degree of flexibility that allows it to accommodate this movement without peeling or losing its grip.

As Gregor of Avery Dennison points out: ‘The primary challenge is achieving sufficient adhesion level at such a low temperature. A crucial aspect of this is the wide temperature range a label must endure, from application at room temperature to storage at -196 deg C, and in some cases, cryogenic cycles and thawing in a water bath at body temperature.’

For Soichiro (Sushi) Fujinaga, technical manager at Lintec, the chemistry behind these adhesives is proprietary information and a closely guarded secret. However, he states: ‘The performance hinges on a specialized formulation that allows the adhesive to accommodate the thermal expansion and contraction differences between the label and the container.’

The unbreakable facestock

In cryogenic applications, the facestock is far from a simple piece of paper. The material must be able to endure extreme cold without becoming brittle, cracking or losing its ability to hold ink. It must also resist chemical solvents, abrasion and moisture, all of which are common in a laboratory setting.

Avery Dennison sample

Standard paper and vinyl face stocks are generally not recommended for use in cryogenic applications. Paper, being porous, absorbs moisture, which then freezes and can cause the label to delaminate. Vinyl becomes brittle and loses its flexibility in low temperatures. This has led label manufacturers to adopt a range of specialized synthetic fi lms that offer superior performance.

Polyester is the most common material for cryogenic label face stocks due to its exceptional dimensional stability, thermal resistance and durability. It is a strong, rigid film that resists temperature-induced shrinkage and maintains its mechanical strength even at -196 deg C. Polyester’s chemical resistance makes it ideal for environments where labels may be exposed to harsh solvents like ethanol, isopropanol or xylene. It is also highly compatible with thermal transfer printing, which is standard for creating durable, smudge-proof labels. Gregor indicates that polyester films are ‘rigid and less conformable than polyethylene, making it ideal for flat and semi-rigid surfaces where labels must remain secure for years.’

Polyolefin films, such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), are primarily chosen for their conformability and flexibility. This is particularly important for small-diameter vials and tubes, as a flexible face stock can more easily wrap around a curved surface without flagging or peeling at the edges. Gregor further notes that ‘although PP and PE have better resistance to freezing and thawing, they may not be as reliable as polyester for long-term storage or the most extreme cryogenic conditions.’

While less discussed, the liner is essential for protecting the adhesive before application. A good liner ensures the adhesive remains pristine and ready to form a secure bond with the substrate.

Printing best practices

The most advanced label is useless if the information printed on it is unreadable. This has made thermal transfer printing among the most suitable techniques for cryogenic labels.

This method uses a heated printhead to melt a solid resin-based ribbon onto the face stock. ‘At UPM, we always recommend using a resin ribbon with our cryogenic label materials. Resin ribbons are designed to withstand extreme cold and chemical exposure,’ shares Sillanpää. ‘The resulting print is exceptionally durable and resistant to common lab solvents and abrasion.’

While TTR is dominant, other technologies are also used. Fujinaga mentions: ‘We also sell desktop laser printable and water-based inkjet versions for cryogenic labels.’

Gregor from Avery Dennison notes that ‘each technology has trade-offs; for instance, direct thermal printers do not use a ribbon, which can be an advantage if you want to ensure no personal information is left on a ribbon that needs to be securely disposed of.’

Even with the best materials, an improperly applied label will fail. Material manufacturers emphasize that a label requires ‘a clean surface with sufficient pressure and dwell time to adhere properly.’

Sillanpää notes that they ‘always recommend attaching labels in room temperature, if possible.’

Gregor echoes the same sentiment, stating: ‘We primarily print at room temperature and ensure long enough dwell time in order to let the adhesive bond with the substrate before cryogenic storage.’

“Each technology has trade-offs.”

The consensus among experts is that applying a label to a frozen, frosted, or wet vial is a major risk factor for failure. Brien Christopherson, vice president, research and development at Brady Corporation, a Milwaukee, US-based manufacturer of labels, signs, safety devices, printing systems and software, notes: ‘The biggest mistake we see is when customers try to apply our labels to vials that have already been frozen. It’s a natural instinct, but it’s crucial that the adhesive has a chance to form a strong initial bond before the temperature plummets.’

Trying to apply a standard label to a frosted vial will result in immediate and catastrophic failure, as moisture and temperature differences prevent any bond from forming. However, some specialized adhesives do exist. As Sillanpää notes: ‘Specialized cryo adhesives also allow labeling in sub-zero temperatures.’ For containers with small diameters, Gregor recommends an ‘overlap for test tubes in order to prevent label lifting.’

The crucial applications

The demand for high-performance cryogenic labels is inextricably linked to the rapid advancements in the medical and scientific fields. In these environments, every sample is a potential source of a cure, a vital piece of evidence or a key to understanding a disease.

FreezerBondz ultra-thin cryogenic polyester labels from Brady Corporation

In the medical field, cryogenic labels are widely used in biobanking. The global biobanking market is projected to reach over 182 billion USD by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 8.16 percent. Biobanks are vast repositories that store millions of biological samples such as blood, plasma, tissue and DNA for future research. The National Institute of Health in the US notes that in a large-scale biobank with millions of samples, one cannot afford a single mix-up. The entire value of a biobank is in its ability to retrieve and identify a sample decades later. The label is the most important part of that chain of custody.

The integrity of these labels is fundamental to the long-term viability of personalized medicine, which relies on accessing patient-specific biological data. Cryogenic labels are also used in clinical diagnostics, where patient samples need to be labeled with absolute precision to ensure accurate test results. The need for a label that can withstand rapid freezing and thawing cycles and resist common lab chemicals is non-negotiable for patient safety and diagnostic reliability.

Another area of application is in cell and gene therapy. The global cell and gene therapy market is projected to reach 117.46 billion USD by 2034, and each of these treatments requires meticulous labeling to ensure the right patient receives the right therapy.

Corinna Endres, product manager, drug protection at Schreiner MediPharm, states: ‘Due to the rise in novel therapies such as cell and gene, mRNA, etc, there has been a growing demand regarding cryogenic labels.’ These therapies, such as CAR-T cell therapy, use a patient’s own living cells. These precious, one-of-a-kind samples are frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen during transport and processing. A labeling error could have devastating consequences, rendering the therapy unusable or, in a worst-case scenario, leading to a patient receiving the wrong treatment. The label here is not just an identifier; it is a direct safeguard of the patient’s life.

Other than the medical arena, cryogenic labels play a major role in genomics and proteomics. Research labs that perform high-throughput screening may process thousands of samples a day. Automation and robotics are critical, and they depend on scannable barcodes on labels that are reliable and will not fail. The failure of a single label can disrupt an entire research workflow, leading to costly delays and the potential loss of irreproducible data.

Drug discovery is also an area where cryo labels are gaining popularity. Pharmaceutical companies rely on cryogenic storage to preserve vast libraries of chemical compounds and reagents. The ability to accurately track and retrieve specific compounds is essential to the lengthy and expensive process of discovering new drugs.

No room for error

The critical nature of cryogenic labels becomes painfully clear when they fail. A patient sample mix-up or loss can have catastrophic consequences, as documented by organizations like the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the Center for Phlebotomy Education. These agencies conclude that mislabeled specimens are a frequent problem, resulting in serious consequences, including the need for additional treatment or temporary or permanent harm to the patient.

The cost of these errors is staggering. The College of American Pathologists (CAP) estimates that a single mislabeled specimen costs an institution about 712 USD. For a large hospital, the cost of mislabeling can exceed one million USD per year.

The challenges of the cold chain are not static, and neither are the solutions. The market is constantly evolving to meet new demands.

Gregor highlights the growing need for tamper-evident labels for secondary packaging, such as cardboard boxes and plastic storage boxes. This adds another layer of security to the cold chain, ensuring samples have not been compromised during transport or storage. Fujinaga, too, notes: ‘There’s the constant need to develop new products to match our customers’ requirements as clinical technologies like syringes and test tubes evolve.’

The ultimate goal for many in the industry is automated tracking. The integration of RFID or NFC chips into cryogenic labels would allow for the simultaneous scanning of entire racks of samples without ever needing to open a freezer.

‘RFID/NFC have already been integrated into cryogenic labels for tracking, but there are significant challenges with extremely low temperature ranges and reliable functionality of the integrated chip,’ comments Endres. ‘The thermal shock can cause stress on the chip and wire bonds, leading to failure. However, many companies are actively working to overcome these hurdles. We, at Schreiner MediPharm, have advanced test capabilities to verify that RFID readability is possible even at minus 80 deg C.’

“The biggest mistake we see is when customers try to apply our labels to vials that have already been frozen. It's a natural instinct.”

RFID cryogenic labels are engineered to withstand extreme conditions, remaining scannable even when submerged in liquid nitrogen at -196 deg C. These labels, provided by manufacturers such as US-based AssetPulse, feature a flexible UHF inlay and permanent adhesive securely identifying vials and tubes in long-term cryogenic storage. Unlike traditional barcodes, passive RFID labels can be read without direct line-of-sight, reducing the need for freeze–thaw cycles that risk sample integrity. This consistent and reliable tracking minimizes errors, while also supporting strict regulatory compliance in sensitive environments such as hospitals, where RFID is used to access the right sample for life-saving procedures.

Similarly, Identiv and InPlay are co-developing a portfolio of BLE-enabled smart labels for high-value logistics, including cold-chain, pharmaceuticals and food. Powered by InPlay’s ultra-lowpower IN100 NanoBeacon SoC, the labels provide real-time tracking, visibility, and condition monitoring (temperature, humidity, motion). With extended read ranges, smartphone compatibility, and built-in AES-EAX encryption, the labels are designed for secure, scalable use in specialized environments such as cryogenic logistics. Commercial launch for these labels is planned for late 2025.

Cryogenic labels are no longer just for vials. Schreiner MediPharm has developed a Freeze-Light-Protect label to address the challenge of light-sensitive drugs. This innovative solution combines cryogenic durability with multi-level UV and light protection. This is critical for biologics and other sensitive substances stored in transparent containers, where maintaining drug efficacy is just as important as maintaining sample identification.

Freeze light protect cryogenic labels from Schreiner MediPharm

Small label with a monumental impact

Cryogenic labels are a hidden but indispensable part of modern science and medicine. They are not mass-produced commodity items but highly specialized, engineered solutions designed to function under the most punishing conditions imaginable. From the microscopic scale of a single cryovial to the massive scale of a national biobank, these labels are the silent guardians of integrity, ensuring that a sample collected today can be reliably identified and used a decade from now.

The market for these labels is thriving, fueled by unprecedented growth in fields that rely on the preservation of biological materials. As cell therapies become more patient-centric and personalized medicine moves into the mainstream, the need for reliable, secure, and smart labeling will only increase.

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Adyasha Sinha

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Think B2B spotlights packaging priorities

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 22:27:07 +0000

Think B2B Marketing has identified four critical priorities dominating strategic planning across print and packaging companies heading into 2026.

Drawing on insights from working with global packaging businesses, Joanna Stephenson, managing director, explained that after years of responding to regulation and sustainability demands, 2026 marks a shift to proactive strategy. The four priorities are regulatory readiness, material innovation, digital technology integration and strategic AI adoption.

'PPWR is moving from policy to implementation, with real deadlines for recyclability and recycled content, while the UK's new Packaging Pact launches in April with tougher expectations around reuse and refill,' commented Stephenson. 'What we're hearing from converters is that EPR cost modulation and the Plastic Packaging Tax are forcing much more detailed data tracking.'

On material innovation, she noted progress in mono-material films, renewable substrates and natural barrier coatings designed for circularity, though gaps remain between technical recyclability and real-world infrastructure capabilities.

Digital technology integration presents commercial opportunities, particularly with Project Sunrise 2027 moving to QR codes and GS1 Digital Link formatting. Converters with digital print capabilities can link packaging to supply chain visibility, anti-counterfeiting and personalized brand experiences.

Regarding AI adoption, Stephenson emphasized strategic deployment. 'Artificial Intelligence is proving a real force in areas like predictive maintenance, supply chain optimization and production planning, where it's driving real efficiency gains and competitive advantage,' she explained. However, she cautioned against deploying AI beyond its capabilities into areas requiring technical judgment and sector knowledge.

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A new chapter for narrow web innovation

Adyasha Sinha — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:35:05 +0000

Labelexpo 10 December 2025

A new chapter for narrow web innovation

Jan De Roeck, chief marketing officer at Esko, shares about the opportunities Loupe could bring to narrow web converters in this guest column.

When the label and packaging industry gathers, it does so with purpose. Few events embody that purpose more clearly than Labelexpo Europe, which this year took place for the first time in Barcelona. Having attended many editions of the show, I was struck not only by the change of scenery, but also by the deeper shifts it represents for our industry.

At its core, Labelexpo has always been unique. Unlike broader print or packaging exhibitions, it is laser-focused on a very specific form factor: narrow web production equipment. Every piece of machinery on display, from printing presses to finishing lines, from substrates to metal dies and embellishment technologies, operates within a normalized web width of roughly 20-25in. This singular focus is what sets Labelexpo apart.

It is not just a print show, nor a packaging or label show. It is, above all, a narrow-web production show bringing an entire ecosystem together.

The expanding role of narrow web

What makes this form factor so compelling is its versatility. While narrow web equipment is synonymous with labels, the truth is that converters have long been producing much more. Even in the early days, smaller folding cartons, particularly for pharmaceuticals, were efficiently manufactured on narrow web presses, thanks to their compact size and shorter run lengths.

Over time, converters recognized the opportunity to diversify further. Besides PS labels, flexible packaging applications such as wrappers and pouches began to appear on narrow web lines. Folding cartons, too, became a natural extension. This diversification nudged machine builders to gradually widen their equipment, but the underlying principle remained the same: a standardized form factor designed for efficient, cost-effective production.

“Labels, by their very nature, will always require roll-to-roll production in narrow web. But if the same equipment can profitably produce other packaging formats, why wouldn’t converters seize that opportunity?”

It is only logical, then, that the organizers of Labelexpo have acknowledged this evolution. The rebranding of the event to Loupe underscores the widening application field of narrow web technology. Labels, by their very nature, will always require roll-to-roll production in narrow web. But if the same equipment can profitably produce other packaging formats, why wouldn’t converters seize that opportunity?

More than a change of venue

The move from Brussels to Barcelona is far more than a logistical adjustment. It is a symbolic milestone that mirrors the changing dynamics of our industry. Barcelona is a city built for events: modern, spacious expo halls, more sqm of exhibition space and a vibrant setting that attracts a growing number of top decision-makers.

Walking the halls, it was clear that the new location elevated the show. The energy was palpable, and the conversations more strategic. The city itself amplifies the event’s ambition, positioning Loupe as a global stage for the future of narrow web label and packaging production.

Innovation at the forefront

Of course, growth is not only about geography. What truly stood out in Barcelona was the wave of innovation brought forward by technology vendors. Across printing technologies and applications, the themes were consistent:

Accelerated digital transformation through systems integration and automation
Artificial intelligence applied to optimize workflows and reduce waste
Sustainability as a driver of both product development and operational efficiency
Cloud-based solutions enabling smarter collaboration and data-driven decision-making
Machine interface innovation designed to improve operator experience and production accuracy

These advancements are not isolated. They reflect a broader industry commitment to improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and equipping converters with the tools to thrive in a competitive market.

Loupe: Craftsmanship and accuracy

As I reflect on this year’s event, I am convinced that the rebranded Loupe will continue to build on Labelexpo’s legacy while embracing the future. The name itself is well chosen: a loupe is a tool of precision, craftsmanship and accuracy; qualities that define today’s print shops and drive tomorrow’s innovation.

By staying true to its narrow web roots while expanding into adjacent packaging applications, Loupe embodies the duality of our industry: focus and flexibility. And by anchoring itself in Barcelona, it signals confidence, ambition and a readiness to grow alongside the evolving needs of converters worldwide.

Labelexpo Europe in Barcelona was more than a tradeshow; it was a statement. A statement that narrow web technology is not confi ned to labels but is a platform for broader packaging innovation. A statement that our industry is embracing digital transformation, AI, and sustainability with urgency and creativity. And a statement that the future of this event is as vibrant and dynamic as the city that now hosts it. For those of us in the label and packaging community, the message is clear: the form factor may be narrow, but the opportunities are anything but.

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