Epson America has announced that The Lubrizol Corporation has purchased and installed Epson ColorWorks C831 inkjet label printers in their global facilities to increase efficiency and maintain globally harmonized system (GHS) compliance. The addition of the Epson ColorWorks printers allows the company to expand its on-demand color label printing offerings for customers in several businesses, including driveline, engine oils, viscosity modifiers, fuels, and industrial.

“As an industry leader, it was important that the solution we installed in our facilities would help us comply with GHS labeling initiatives and mandates, and would not disrupt our workflow,” says Mike Vaughn, corporate vice president operations, Lubrizol Corporation. “We selected the Epson ColorWorks C831 because it is easy to use, efficient, and adaptable, as well as creates quality color labels that can endure the harshest conditions and environments.”

The Epson ColorWorks C831 industrial-strength inkjet label printer is ideal for GHS large format drum and chemical labels and more. It combines all the benefits of a rugged color inkjet printer with the accuracy of an 8-pin tractor feeder and was the first inkjet printing solution that has been BS5609 certified, a common benchmark for certifying durability. The printer supports a wide variety of media types and sizes and features print speeds up to 16.5 pages per minute, printable areas up to 8.25”x22”, precise label feeding to reduce jamming, and high-density bar code printing, all at a lower cost than color thermal transfer or color laser printers. The Epson ColorWorks C831 also helps to enhance workflow by eliminating the need to manage pre-printed labelstock.

A key factor in Lubrizol’s selection was the recent introduction of new media types from Avery Dennison and UPM Raflatac:  
·       UPM Raflatac – BS5609 Section 2 passed – Section 3 testing in progress
o   PN: SY581H - 3.6 mil Polyjet Matte white RH25 3.2 mil Hi-white Kraft
·       Avery Dennison – BS5609 Section 2 & 3 passed – Fully Approved
o   PN: 79724 - Fasson® 3.5 Mil Matte WH SYN Paper WB IJ / S4600 / 50#SCK

These new materials from Avery Dennison and UPM Raflatac meet the tough BS5609 requirements while delivering a brighter whiter facestock and lower operating costs. “Our decision to explore Epson’s offerings and install their printing solutions have not only increased efficiency in our facilities, but we also anticipate seeing a reduction on the total cost of ownership in 2018,” says Matt Brancatelli, indirect procurement manager, Lubrizol Corporation. “Not only do the printers work every time, but we’re saving money on labels and ink in the long run.

“My advice to other companies is to evaluate the digital printing option,” continues Vaughn. “The Epson ColorWorks is a really viable option that is cost effective and allows you to meet the increasing demands from complexity and regulatory issues, as well as your own customer expectations. Without this solution, we wouldn’t be able to do that.”

“With the increase in complexity surrounding GHS labels and the ever-growing demand for private labeling products, we knew this on-demand color solution would fulfill their labeling needs,” explains Andy Scherz, product manager, ColorWorks, Epson America. “The ColorWorks C831 printer is a simple solution that enhances workflow and helps reduce errors, allowing companies like Lubrizol in the chemical space to produce quality labels that meet legally mandated requirements at an affordable cost.”