Hibiscus chooses Mark Andy for specialist chemical labels

Leeds-based label converter Hibiscus has maintained a 20-year partnership with Mark Andy for its flexographic presses used to print specialist labels for harsh environments, particularly for the chemical industry.

Established in 1981 and now under the third-generation management of James Killerby, Hibiscus PLC serves more than half of the world's leading chemical manufacturers, as well as smaller enterprises in the waste, pharmaceutical and transportation sectors. The company's labels must remain fade-resistant and securely adhered over time in harsh environments, complying with BS 5609 Section 2 and 3 tests.

Mark Andy sold its first press to Hibiscus more than 20 years ago, a 5-color 10-inch 2200 model that remains in daily use and has experienced only two breakdowns in its working life. The company installed a second Mark Andy in 2021, a 13-inch 10-color 2200 XL model fitted with turn bars, delam/relam and full multi-lamp UV curing, along with a Mark Andy VPM Plate Mounter.

'The key is complying with the manufacturer's recommended service schedule, and I cannot praise Mark Andy's UK support team too highly here,' notes Jonathan Filin, head of operations at Hibiscus. 'Over the years, we have built a partnership and it's unthinkable that we'd go anywhere else.'

The converter processes substrates ranging from 60- to 200-micron PV and 180 Polyolefin using acrylic adhesives at speeds of around 80m/min, achieving less than 0.5 percent error across all jobs. Run lengths vary from 1,000 to 200,000 labels of varying format sizes.

In addition to fully pre-printed labels, Hibiscus offers part-printed labels that allow for customization at a later stage, including expiry dates, batch numbers or specific chemical concentrations. All labels must meet statutory requirements in relation to branding and safety symbols, with jobs run using spot colors and four-color process with UV inks for lightfastness.

'Hibiscus is a perfect example of how pursuing a niche market brings its own rewards without the need to chase volume,' comments Antony Cotton, sales manager at Mark Andy. 'It also highlights the longevity of Mark Andy technology coupled with the benefit of regular servicing.'