• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Labels & Packaging
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Equipment
    • Supplies
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Labels & Packaging
  • Markets
  • Technology
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Dscoop Post-Show Coverage

    Slitter-Rewinders

    Craft Beer Labels

    Pharmaceutical Labels

    Luminer Converting Group: Narrow Web Profile
    Breaking News
    Converter News
    European Label News
    Industry News
    Industry People
    M&A News
    New Products
    Expert's Opinion
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Schreiner ProTech introduces new PCS solution for electric vehicle charging

    FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates

    Bar Graphic and J&J Converting open US demo center

    Asda implements latest ColorCert ScoreCard Server

    Zeller+Gmelin introduces UV-curable and water-based inkjet inks
    Blog
    Video Bites
    Beauty & Personal Care Labels
    Beer Labels
    Beverage Labels
    Flexible Packaging
    Folding Carton
    Food Labels
    Glue-Applied
    In-Mold
    Industrial Labels
    Medical Labels
    Pharmaceutical Labels
    Pressure Sensitive
    Prime Labels
    Promotional Labels
    Security Labels
    Shrink
    Smart Labels
    Specialty Labels
    Spirits Labels
    Wine Labels

    Schreiner ProTech introduces new PCS solution for electric vehicle charging

    Asda implements latest ColorCert ScoreCard Server

    PCMC and Hudson-Sharp assist Aspen Press & Packaging

    Baldwin heads to Tax Stamp and Traceability Forum

    UPM Raflatac's linerless range achieves CarbonNeutral certification
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    China
    Europe
    India
    Latin America
    Middle East
    North America

    Bar Graphic and J&J Converting open US demo center

    LemuGroup prepares for Open House in Spain

    Appvion invests in new coating equipment

    Phoenix Challenge Foundation announces High School winners

    LemuGroup showcasing versatile portfolio at Open House
    Flexography
    Digital Printing
    Prepress
    Finishing
    Sustainability

    FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates

    Why inkjet and toner systems will be market redefining to 2032

    Bar Graphic and J&J Converting open US demo center

    Zeller+Gmelin introduces UV-curable and water-based inkjet inks

    PCMC and Hudson-Sharp assist Aspen Press & Packaging
    Digital Printers & Presses
    Flexo Presses
    Label Converting Equipment
    Label Finishing Equipment
    Prepress Equipment

    Why inkjet and toner systems will be market redefining to 2032

    Bar Graphic and J&J Converting open US demo center

    Asda implements latest ColorCert ScoreCard Server

    PCMC and Hudson-Sharp assist Aspen Press & Packaging

    Baldwin heads to Tax Stamp and Traceability Forum
    Dies And Tooling
    Flexo Supplies
    Ink & Coatings
    Prepress Supplies
    Pressrooom Supplies
    Substrates

    Asda implements latest ColorCert ScoreCard Server

    Zeller+Gmelin introduces UV-curable and water-based inkjet inks

    Flexo Wash introduces FW 850 Laser Anilox Cleaner

    Impression Label grows with Kodak Flexcel NX technology

    Mondi switches glassine-based release liners to certified base paper
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Label Converters
    Trade Associations
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Epson America, Inc.

    HP, Inc.

    Heidelberg USA

    Lemu Group North America

    Meech International
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live from Show Events
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Label Converters
      • Trade Associations
      • Add Your Company
    • Labels & Packaging
      • Beauty & Personal Care Labels
      • Beer Labels
      • Beverage Labels
      • Flexible Packaging
      • Folding Carton
      • Food Labels
      • Glue-Applied
      • In-Mold
      • Industrial Labels
      • Medical Labels
      • Pharmaceuticals Labels
      • Pressure Sensitive
      • Prime Labels
      • Promotional Labels
      • Security Labels
      • Shrink
      • Smart Labels
      • Speciality Labels
      • Spirits Labels
      • Wine Tables
    • Markets
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • China
      • Europe
      • India
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
    • Equipment
      • Digital Printers & Presses
      • Flexo Presses
      • Label Converting Equipment
      • Label Fishing Equipment
    • Supplies
      • Dies And Tooling
      • Flexo Supplies
      • Ink & Coatings
      • Prepress Supplies
      • Substrates
      • Pressrooom Supplies
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Blog
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Supplier Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Homepage Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Narrow Web Europe

    French leave

    ...

    Related CONTENT
    • Heidelberg USA
    • S-One highlights new packaging materials
    • X-Rite and Pantone showcase end-to-end color workflow solutions
    • Pulse Roll Label Products promotes cold foil collaboration
    • Gallus demonstrates hybrid printing with digital embellishment
    John Penhallow09.06.19
    With Labelexpo Europe on the horizon, you could expect Europe’s label sector to be in a white heat of frenzied activity. Except that it isn’t, or at least not in August in France. The minimum length of annual paid leave here is five weeks, with extra days tacked on for seniority, or when a public holiday falls during your well-earned absence. 

    A generation ago, most of French industry just closed down for the majority of July and August. This has changed but not completely. From mid-June onwards, people start putting off decisions saying “Let’s look at that at the rentrée (i.e. when school starts in September).

    Surprisingly, the only European country that works less than France is….Germany! According to official statistics, the average German works just 1,360 hours per year, a whopping 10% less than the average French person. For the US, the figure is 1,780, which must translate into a lot of midnight oil being burned “over there” while we Europeans are already down at the pub, bistro, Wirtshaus, taverna or wherever. 

    Working hard is one way to success. But it’s not a good indicator of happiness, so it seems from the latest “World Happiness Report,” which covers over 100 countries, looking not just at GDP but also at mental health, life expectancy, trust in government and other factors affecting well-being. Amazingly, the key factor dividing the happy from the less happy in Europe is latitude – the further north you live, the happier you’re likely to be. The Nordic countries collar the top four places, and outside Europe, only New Zealand and Canada make it into the top 10. The USA comes in at 19th, maybe as a result of working too many hours.

    Linerless
    The linerless label has been around for more than a decade, and Ritrama is only one of several labelstock producers to develop an ingenious answer, well suited to putting rectangular labels onto bottles. Herma has taken another approach, jumping on the bandwagon of parcel delivery services as pushed by Amazon, Walmart and others too numerous to mention. Every parcel needs one or more shipping labels (all rectangular), and worldwide parcel shipping generated $279 billion in revenue in 2017, an increase of 11% over 2016; volumes grew 17% to 74.4 billion parcels. 

    The same statistics also predict that global volumes will exceed 100 billion parcels in 2020 across the 13 countries reviewed (Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Norway, Sweden, the UK and USA). Interest in linerless labels will be high at this year’s Labelexpo, where both Herma and Ritrama (and others) are showing their latest and greatest. The cherry on the cake for linerless is a seminar being hosted by AWA on the eve of the opening of Labelexpo Europe, featuring presentations by experts from both sides of the Atlantic.

    Vienna: Waltzes, wine and Wow label technology
    It’s not every day that a (relatively) small label printer (€ 9 million sales, 55 employees) decides to invest in a state-of-the-art inkjet press with more inline finishing stations than you can shake a stick at. Insignis, a family-owned Viennese converter, has risen to the challenge, installing a Gallus Labelfire press with a “Digital Embellishment Unit,” or DEU. Gallus does not disclose the price of this configuration, but rumor has it that if you do not have a million and more dollars to invest, you better go elsewhere.

    So, in 2018, it was a potentially make-or-break decision for Insignis. Speaking at an open house in July of this year, Christof Naier, Gallus’ head of Business Unit Label, did not play down what was at stake: “It goes without saying that the installation of a Gallus Labelfire, with such an extensive configuration for a printer like Insignis, represented a real challenge. It was also the first integrated Labelfire with Digital Embellishment Unit that Gallus had installed for a customer. A year on, we too are satisfied with the way things are going. The Gallus Labelfire hybrid press and digital embellishment units are the perfect combination for the current demands of the label market.”

    During the presentation at Insignis, Christof Naier and Uwe Alexander of Heidelberg-Gallus listed the latest improvements to this press, which was launched 18 months ago. “Gallus has perfected new software, which ensures perfect printing even if some jets are clogged, and an online inspection unit, which automatically compensates for minute differences between new and older printheads. These are just two of the innovations for the digital print station.”

    Heidelberg reports having spent much time and money in improving its digital white inks, which are in considerable demand for labels and food packaging (Heidelberg uses Fuji printheads but develops its own inks). With more than 30 Labelfire presses sold since the launch in 2017, Gallus believes that this press, with its online embellishing, will be one of the stars of the show at Labelexpo.

    According to Gallus, the Labelfire in this configuration wins on points for its large number of online digital finishing processes. As Gallus sales manager Silvia Spatt puts it, “By combining the strengths of digital printing with online finishing processes all optimized for this type of printing, labels can be varnished, embellished with cold foiling and finished online. This is not the case for many digital presses on the market that leave the finishing as a separate off-line process. This ‘all digital’ approach ensures shorter production times with less waste. The converter saves time and money with this end-to-end inline process.”

    Insignis chose to integrate a “classic” rotary screen-printing unit (this is another of Gallus’ specialties). This station is sited downstream of the digital press but could also have been placed upstream.

    Gallus’ Alexander explains the benefits of this flexibility: “When placed upstream of the digital printing unit, this unit gives the unbeatable white opacity of screen. In the downstream configuration, all the advantages in terms of embellishment still apply, in particular the haptic effect and the colors and security applications made possible by using special inks.”

    No man is an Island
    When John Donne wrote those words 400 years ago, he was not thinking of Britain’s relations with continental Europe. However, since the end of July, the British government is headed by an outspoken, impetuous man with a shock of fair hair. Short of a miracle, this means that on October 31, Britain will crash out of the European Union.

    The immediate effects of this have been well publicized: long queues of lorries at the ports, shortages of medicines, air travel disrupted. However, the longer-term effects may be just as insidious. Leaving aside the likelihood of renewed violence in Northern Ireland, the big impact will be on supply chains. Every equipment manufacturer is plugged into a Europe-wide, and often global, network of suppliers. 

    American manufacturers have long been used to the idea that if you get approval for a widget made in one state of the US, you can (with a few exceptions) sell it in the other 49. In Europe, the notion is only a few decades old, but as of today you can (again with a few exceptions) buy and sell products, spare parts and machines anywhere in the 28 countries making up the European Union, once the item has been officially approved. This applies equally to anything imported into the EU: once it’s been given the EU stamp of approval, you can sell it without let or hindrance everywhere from Cyprus to Scotland. Not only are there no tariffs on cross-border trade in the EU, but also there are at least–in theory–no non-tariff barriers to give a leg-up to domestic producers.  

    If indeed Britain crashes out of the EU without an agreement, label converters, according to a 2018 survey (done by your correspondent, so it must be right) will be only slightly affected, since not many labels cross the English Channel, in one direction or the other. The exceptions are Irish converters, be they in the North of the island or in the Irish Republic. The frontier, virtually non-existent today, will prove a major headache to converters like Keith Hamilton, whose label plant is in Lurgan, just inside Northern Ireland. But he is stoic about it. “I’ve given up worrying about Brexit,” he told your correspondent. “I stand to lose half my customers, but whatever those politicians in London or Brussels decide we’ll just have to live with it.”

    All the UK’s label converters are increasing their inventories, though, in particular inventories of labelstock, for which the UK is a net importer. UK-based makers of label presses and other equipment manufacturers, like Focus, Edale and ABG, have been quietly signing up local suppliers and sub-contractors, as well as raising inventory levels to guard against shortages and delays come the 1st of November. One or two have already shifted part of their manufacture to mainland Europe. Similarly, on the European continent managers have been examining their supply chains, and in some cases dropping UK suppliers. 

    All this may sound far away and even far-fetched to American businessmen. But managers the world over have grown used to believing that national boundaries matter very little when it comes to sourcing or manufacturing. Low inventories and just-in-time deliveries have become the established religion. But observe the straws in the wind. Not just the big angry tweets emanating from Washington and Beijing. Read the fine print of OECD’s findings that cross-border trade, having expanded for several decades, fell sharply over the past two years. It seems supply chains are becoming shorter as the manufacturing industry prefers greater security to lower costs. Britain and Europe may not be the only ones to start wondering if the bell is sounding for the end of the age of globalization.

    So, John Donne again: “Never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee.”
    Related Searches
    • hybrid
    • line
    • label
    • inkjet press
    Suggested For You
    Heidelberg USA Heidelberg USA
    S-One highlights new packaging materials S-One highlights new packaging materials
    X-Rite and Pantone showcase end-to-end color workflow solutions X-Rite and Pantone showcase end-to-end color workflow solutions
    Pulse Roll Label Products promotes cold foil collaboration Pulse Roll Label Products promotes cold foil collaboration
    Gallus demonstrates hybrid printing with digital embellishment Gallus demonstrates hybrid printing with digital embellishment
    A different look and feel A different look and feel
    Labelexpo Europe 2019 set for largest show to date Labelexpo Europe 2019 set for largest show to date
    All4Labels invests in Gallus Labelmaster Advanced All4Labels invests in Gallus Labelmaster Advanced
    European Converter of the Year Award finalists revealed European Converter of the Year Award finalists revealed
    Labelexpo Europe 2019 announces details of Flexible Packaging Arena Labelexpo Europe 2019 announces details of Flexible Packaging Arena
    Labelexpo Europe 2019 Product Preview Labelexpo Europe 2019 Product Preview
    Weapons of mass instruction Weapons of mass instruction
    Label industry macro trends point toward machine flexibility Label industry macro trends point toward machine flexibility
    Modern flexo presses designed for the next-generation workforce Modern flexo presses designed for the next-generation workforce
    Philip Morris brings printing in-house with Gallus digital hybrid technology Philip Morris brings printing in-house with Gallus digital hybrid technology

    Related Content

    • Heidelberg USA

      Heidelberg USA

      ...
      Courtney Linebarger, Creative Service Manager 05.10.22

    • S-One highlights new packaging materials

      S-One highlights new packaging materials

      S-One is featuring recyclable printed pouches and discussing its growing portfolio of recyclable and compostable product lines.
      09.25.19

    • X-Rite and Pantone showcase end-to-end color workflow solutions

      The eXact spectrophotometer and ColorCert quality control software are also on display in Labelexpo’s Flexible Packaging Arena.
      09.25.19


    • Pulse Roll Label Products promotes cold foil collaboration

      The company’s new tinted cold foil adhesive is part of its PureFinish portfolio of varnishes and adhesives.
      09.25.19

    • Gallus demonstrates hybrid printing with digital embellishment

      Gallus demonstrates hybrid printing with digital embellishment

      Gallus is using the “Your Smoothie” campaign to demonstrate fully variable data printing (fVDP) with the Gallus Labelfire.
      09.23.19


      Breaking News
      • Schreiner ProTech introduces new PCS solution for electric vehicle charging
      • FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates
      • Bar Graphic and J&J Converting open US demo center
      • Asda implements latest ColorCert ScoreCard Server
      • Zeller+Gmelin introduces UV-curable and water-based inkjet inks
      View Breaking News >
      CURRENT ISSUE

      April 2022

      • Dscoop Post-Show Coverage
      • Slitter-Rewinders
      • Craft Beer Labels
      • Pharmaceutical Labels
      • Luminer Converting Group

      Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
      You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

      • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms And Conditions
      • Contact Us

      follow us

      Subscribe
      Nutraceuticals World

      Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

      Tocotrienols May Aid Weight Loss and Cognitive Performance, Animal Study Finds
      Leaven Essential to Launch Branded Botanical Extracts to Global Markets
      Lonza Expands Capsugel Capsule Offering with Titanium Dioxide-Free, White Hard Gelatin Capsules
      Coatings World

      Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

      PPG Launches HOMAX TEX>>PRO Texture System by PPG
      New Digital Solution from Interpon Helps Customers Bring Colors to Life
      What Are You Reading?
      Medical Product Outsourcing

      Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

      Study Demonstrates Promise of Pulmonary Congestion Detection Tech
      CardioRenal Raises 3.3 Million Euros
      Japanese Regulators Approve Shockwave Medical's Coronary IVL
      Contract Pharma

      Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

      Catalent Introduces UpTempo Virtuoso Platform
      Elicio Therapeutics Enters Clinical Supply Agreement with Regeneron
      Reaction Biology Expands Executive Leadership Team
      Beauty Packaging

      Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

      A Look at Machine Gun Kelly's $30K Diamond Mani
      Doja Cat Rocks Glam Makeup & Nails at the Billboard Music Awards
      Maggie Q Launches Beauty Supplement
      Happi

      Latest Breaking News From Happi

      Thread Beauty Launches Vegan Lip Gloss Collection
      Selig Group Names Adam Sheridan Next President
      Lip Shimmer, Powder Sunscreen and Retinol Drive Latest Beauty Searches: Spate
      Ink World

      Latest Breaking News From Ink World

      INX to Highlight Color Perfection Program, INX University at GulfCan
      Kornit Hosts Kornit Fashion Week London 2022
      Zeller+Gmelin Launches UV-Curable and Water-Based Inkjet Inks
      Label & Narrow Web

      Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

      Schreiner ProTech introduces new PCS solution for electric vehicle charging
      FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates
      Bar Graphic and J&J Converting open US demo center
      Nonwovens Industry

      Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

      Essity Wins Innovation Award at Interclean
      Weekly Recap: Ontex Confirms Possibility of Attindas Deal, Purell Launches New Wipes & More
      TSG Finishing Starts Modernization Project
      Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Denise Pedulla Appointed as Chief Legal Officer at Conformis
      ODT's Most-Read Stories This Week—May 14
      Steven Haddad Joins Extremity Medical as Chief Clinical Officer
      Printed Electronics Now

      Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

      Google Cloud, Saule Technologies and Columbus Energy Begin Strategic Cooperation
      JDI Develops eLEAP, World’s First Maskless Deposition + Lithographic OLED
      Toppan Develops Temperature Logger Label for Long-Distance Transportation

      Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

      AD BLOCKER DETECTED

      Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
      Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


      FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login