Narrow web flex pack expert expands business

UK converter Labelsunlimited (LUL) has installed a second Nilpeter FA-4* press and moved into a remodeled and expanded factory space, building the company’s focus on value-added flexible packaging and specialty labeling, including peel & read labels.

‘Labelsunlimited has seen increasing growth in our flexible packaging market, across many sectors,’ says managing director Marc Bradley. ‘Combined with our move into new premises, we ordered our second FA-4*, a 9-color build, which is a dedicated filmic press with further specialized ancillary equipment.’

Continues Bradley, ‘The decision to order another FA-4* was simple, after the way the first FA-4* has performed for us. The press is incredibly accurate in terms of printing and print register, and the way it performs against all of our substrate requirements is remarkable.

The press is highly efficient on quick changeover short run work, but is then also extremely stable on longer running work – so all in all an excellent press for our business model.’

Labelsunlimited moved into the new factory unit in April and within one month was re-accredited to BRC/IOP food grade certification (version 5 high risk, to a double A standard) – essential for the flexible packaging work which forms the core of the company’s business. ‘This was also while satisfying our clients’ MHRA accreditations for the new premises,’ says Bradley.

An important part of the set-up is implementation of a fully low migration (LM) regime. Each of the presses is set up for low migration work along with all inks and materials. ‘The LM cleaning regime for our anilox rollers is handled by a FlexoMaid system,’ says Bradley.

‘This gives us a green alternative against the industry norm, with a cell clearance unlike anything we have seen before – ideal for color calibration and control.’ The presses are equipped with Nikka camera systems which has allowed LUL to adopt a ‘zero overs’ approach.

‘The Nikka counts the number of good impressions and when that number is reached, we stop the press and move on to our next job – simplistically it helps our efficiency and uptime rates.’