The Rahul Kumar Labelexpo column

Avery Dennison introduced their new Surfas Technology. This patent-pending adhesive technology increases surface contact for better initial tack to create a stronger hold on rough finishes, like corrugated boxes. Surfas Technology, a perfect solution for e-commerce and logistics labeling needs, offers a sustainable edge and will be available at the same price as conventional labeling solutions for corrugated board.

Bobst announced the world premiere of its latest innovation – a hybrid label press. The Swiss-based manufacturer says, the press provides a combination of digital and DigiFlexo printing in a single press. The Master DM5 – which has "Mouvent Ink-Jet Digital Technology Inside" – is associated with flexibility for high added value labels, with short job setup and return on investment.

Meanwhile Durst has showcased major expansions with its RSC platform of UV inkjet label presses. What caught our eye was the workflow software for Web2Production and Durst’s pre-press software. The "Workflow Label" offered by Durst Professional Services to customise MIS integration software packages is also being showcased. The Durst stand also had the new Tau RSCi on show together with current Tau 330 RSC and RSC-E presses has  print widths of 330, 420 or 508mm (13, 16.5 or 20 inches) and a higher printing speed of up to 100 linear m/min. One spotlight at Labelexpo was the new low-migration UV ink developed for the RSC platform, which is compliant with EUPIA and Swiss Ordinance regulations for food and pharmaceutical packaging.

Xeikon flexed its clout at the Flexible Packaging Arena and presented the fleXflow for pouch production. A company official said, "Designed to create new business opportunities for label converters, the fleXflow is one of four of Xeikon’s full production lines at the show." Xeikon’s X-800 Digital Front End printing is expected to drive the pouch production line on a Xeikon CX500 dry toner, an industrial digital press with inline thermal lamination on a Xeikon LCoat500 and inline packaging construction. As well as participating in the Flexible Packaging Arena and the Sustainability Insight Café, Xeikon announced new applications, new partnerships and new online advisory tools on its largest stand yet 5C28 as part of Flint Group.

And finally, Tresu, a manufacturer of chamber doctor blade systems, and Flexo Concepts ® have collaborated to introduce a programme of plastic doctor blades with specially designed clamping systems that enable quick, safe exchange and easy integration with chamber doctor blades. The XL Blade Holder Series is a range of clamping systems that are modified for securing Flexo Concepts’ TruPoint plastic doctor blades. These include ‘E-Line’ eccentric clamping systems, available in thicknesses of up to 1.0mm, and ‘P-Line’ pneumatic clamps, in thicknesses up to 1.25mm. These solutions facilitate blade changes in as little as one minute. Plastic blades offer safe handling and long life, and eliminate the risk of anilox scoring. As a result, they are an alternative to conventional steel blades for applications such as applying coatings to digitally and offset printed labels and packaging, as well as situations where safety is paramount.

If you are at the Labelexpo show, and have any information to share with me, please email rahul@haymarketsac.com