HassleFree takes labelstock global

HassleFree Technologies, a division of Indian printer Kumar Labels based in Delhi-NCR, introduced its patented SRTF and MEPP labelstock technologies to an international audience at Labelexpo Europe 2015. Aimed at addressing sustainability issues, reducing waste and cost in the label industry, these labelstocks claim multiple innovations.

SRTF labelstock sees the liner sandwiched between a facestock on each side, while MEPP involves laminating a metalized film onto paper using curl-free adhesive coating. The project has been supported by the Government of India through its Department of Science & Technology. Explains Anuj Bhargava, partner at HassleFree Technologies, ‘Our approach was to tame the waste generating source rather than find ways to recycle the waste.’

There are certain limitations to this technology in terms of the number of colors that can be printed on a label and the way it is die-cut, but Bhargava says: ‘A lot of brand owners are willing to simplify the graphics of their labels because this is economical and more environmentally friendly.’ The company has already launched SRTF in the Indian market with a major pharma company its first customer.

‘We developed this product keeping the current market in mind,’ says Bhargava. ‘With a little modification in the label applicator machine and label printing presses, printers can increase throughput by selling two facestocks with one liner and also double production capacity as the label will get printed on both sides in one go. Brand owners will get a more reasonably priced label that is also environmentally friendly. This product could be 15 to 20 percent more economical compared to a one-sided labelstock. Not only will the storage cost of brands come down, printers will also save about 40 percent in logistics as they will be transporting less material. Press manufacturer will sell longer presses. It’s a win-win for every person in the value chain,’ says Bhargava.