• 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
    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press

    Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market

    SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo

    Schreiner ProTech introduces new PCS solution for electric vehicle charging

    FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates
    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

    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press

    In 2040 a fifth of all food packaging could still be landfilled or incinerated

    Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market

    SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo

    Schreiner ProTech introduces new PCS solution for electric vehicle charging
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    China
    Europe
    India
    Latin America
    Middle East
    North America

    Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market

    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
    Flexography
    Digital Printing
    Prepress
    Finishing
    Sustainability

    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press

    In 2040 a fifth of all food packaging could still be landfilled or incinerated

    SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo

    FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates

    Why inkjet and toner systems will be market redefining to 2032
    Digital Printers & Presses
    Flexo Presses
    Label Converting Equipment
    Label Finishing Equipment
    Prepress Equipment

    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press

    SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo

    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
    Dies And Tooling
    Flexo Supplies
    Ink & Coatings
    Prepress Supplies
    Pressrooom Supplies
    Substrates

    In 2040 a fifth of all food packaging could still be landfilled or incinerated

    Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market

    Asda implements latest ColorCert ScoreCard Server

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

    Flexo Wash introduces FW 850 Laser Anilox Cleaner
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Label Converters
    Trade Associations
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    HP, Inc.

    Lemu Group North America

    SCENTISPHERE, LLC

    Spinnaker Coating, LLC

    Ashe Converting Equipment
    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

    Expansion, inflation and one-handed economists

    ...

    Expansion, inflation and one-handed economists
    Mats and Magnus Jarlebrink celebrate their new Nilpeter press.
    Related CONTENT
    • Arrow Inks
    • FLEXcon Company, Inc.
    • Lemu Group Helps Customers Meet Surging Demands
    • O Labels Software Technology by Industry
    • Kocher + Beck highlights GapMaster enhancements
    John Penhallow07.16.21
    An American president (not the present one) is reputed to have longed to find one-handed economists, because every time he sought expert advice they said “on the one hand…but on the other hand…” Times have not changed much, as today no two economists can agree on how much inflation we can stand, as governments worldwide pour out cash as if there were no tomorrow.

    It seems certain, however, that things in Europe are happening a bit later and a bit more gently than in the US. This was the case during the great downturn of 2009 and again now as we emerge from the Covid-19 crisis. Europe’s employment, investment and GDP figures are slowly moving up. Britain, which performed dismally in the first quarter, is set to grow its GDP by 6% over 2021, putting it ahead of the Euro area (estimated 4%).

    In lower-wage Britain, unemployment at 5% is predictably lower than in continental Europe with its higher minimum wage and more generous benefits. The paradox – in all European countries – is that more and more job vacancies can’t be filled.

    No one, least of all the ambidextrous economists, can agree why. Some blame the unemployment benefits, others see a shrinking of the labor force as parents and over 55s, having tasted home life during the pandemic, are in no hurry to put their nose to the grindstone.

    The label and package printing industries are no exception, particularly for blue-collar workers. The shop floor is an enclosed space ideal for transmitting the disease. Thanks to vaccinations most of Europe is approaching herd immunity, but we ain’t there yet, and the fear may remain high even when the risk is low.

    Three priorities: training, training and training
    In all areas of label production, productivity has continued to increase throughout the crisis. Low-skilled jobs have been eliminated, and it is the medium and high-skilled posts that can’t easily be filled. This is why FINAT and other European label associations are promoting training in label technology, which, despite all efforts, still has a poor reputation among high school and university students.

    At FINAT’s virtual European Label Forum in June of this year, one day was given over to “Recruiting and retaining talent.” Marcus Wörner of Einhorn consultancy showed the 750 delegates how to attract young talent into the label industry by offering somewhere inspirational to work. In France, the Bordeaux high school Les Iris is showing the way with two Gallus presses, acquired under a deal with Berjon, a local label converter.

    Berjon will also help to initiate the school’s teaching staff in the intricacies of the presses, which will join a Konica Minolta press already being used at the school.

    Les Iris specializes in all aspects of the graphic arts but is the only school of its kind in France (and possibly in Europe) to concentrate on training for the label sector. The school, and the local label converters, can only hope that the fall in wine consumption last year is only temporary and that rising overseas exports (thank you, Mr. Biden) will help keep the French wine industry afloat.

    Tomorrow’s prices
    Never mind tomorrow, today some prices are already going through the roof. Germany’s plastic packaging federation, the Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen, in early June reported a 70% rise in average raw material prices since the start of this year, together with steep increases in shipping costs. Similar cost increases have also hit recycled PP and PE, and almost all label and packaging converters are signaling lengthening delivery times. IK’s managing director, Martin Engelmann, lamented that, “This unprecedented price hike for plastics no longer bears any relation to price movements for petrochemical feedstocks.”

    It follows that anyone who can develop a plastic without using petrochemicals could be on to a good thing. Enter Professor Tuomas Knowles of Cambridge University (the one in England). His subject is chemistry, and his specialty is what happens when proteins misbehave, causing human health problems.

    By a serendipitous accident, like the discovery of penicillin, Knowles and his team have mimicked spider silk to develop a soy protein isolate that they say can be transformed into a sheet material with all the pluses and none of the minuses of conventional plastics.

    The research is now being progressed by a spin-off (no pun intended) called Xampla. The new technology is still some way from being used industrially, but it has the potential to revolutionize packaging materials.

    More good news for label machinery sales
    While plastics prices are breaking records, less dramatic but significant raw material price rises are affecting label papers and inks. However, these troubles are not affecting the graphic machinery sector, which seems to be laughing all the way to the bank. Acigma is the Italian trade federation for printing machinery, and its director Andrea Briganti is ecstatic.

    “With 2020 showing a serious slowdown, 2021 opens with a thoroughly interesting order trend fueling double-digit growth,” says Briganti. “Things do not stop there: the international market is also resuming vigorously, and for our sector – which exports more than 50% of production and therefore was particularly hard hit by the halt last year – this is an extremely positive signal. Growth is +90% since the beginning of this year.”

    Other European press makers may be less exuberant, but everywhere machinery sales are on the up as wise-virgin label converters start to dip into their war chest.

    Recent successful press sales in Europe include two Gallus Labelmaster presses installed in March 2021 at Germany’s HP Etikett. Nilpeter is also feeling bullish, even if many of its recent sales are in its “home” market of Scandinavia. Jigraf (Sweden), Colorlabel and Flexoprint (both Denmark) have all recently installed Nilpeter equipment. 

    For MPS, the latest press sales were to South Africa’s Zippy Labels and to a Russian converter with the catchy name of Alyaska-Poligrafoformlenie.

    In June, Bobst’s CEO Jean-Pascal Bobst gleefully reported “an exceptional rush of orders” since January. Half-year sales will be CHF 650 million ($710 million), he said, and this will enable the Swiss-based group to break even Jan/June, and to go on to a profitable full year.

    Track-and-trace - A Russian perspective
    We must all thank John Corrall of UK-based Industrial Inkjet Systems (IIJ) for again drawing the industry’s attention to Tchestny Znak (=Honest Mark), a regulation being progressively implemented by order of the Kremlin. This requires unique labels or markings (similar to those used for pharmaceuticals or alcohol) to be applied to a wide range of products, including white goods, dairy products and even lipstick.

    Brand owners will need to install laser or inkjet marking systems and to use codes supplied by the authorities. The reason given for this move, due to be implemented over the coming two years, is to avoid counterfeiting and other forms of skullduggery.

    Critics fear that this is another step toward Big Brother style state control. It may also be difficult to implement safely on small or curved surfaces.

    But for makers of track-and-trace technology, this could be the opportunity of the decade. Domino, for one, is busy on the Russian front and says its latest Gx series is now capable of optimizing inkjet printing for Tchestny Znak compliance.

    An informative guide entitled “Achieving Track and Trace compliance in Russia” can be obtained from Wipotec OCS or directly from ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/countries-and-regions/
    countries/russia.

    More label and packaging paper production in Europe
    It is no secret that label papers are one of the few products on which paper mills can make a profit. No surprise therefore that South Africa-based Sappi is to start making label papers at its plant in Gratkorn, Austria. The mill will make papers for both non-adhesive and PS labels, and will complement Sappi’s label paper production in Germany, Italy and the USA.

    “This will enhance our market share,” says Michael Betke, Sappi’s sales director for specialty papers. “More specialty lines are in the pipeline.”

    The troubled French paper mill at Chapelle Darblay, relinquished by UPM, will now not be taken over by Belgium’s VPK. Instead, VPK plans to acquire the Alizay plant owned by Thailand’s Double A, and to convert it into making recycled packaging papers in partnership with de-inking specialist Inova Pulp and Paper (IPP).

    Anyone for quanta?
    If you thought laser technology was at the peak of perfection, think again. Physicists at Scotland’s Strathclyde University are preparing us for what in every sense will be a quantum leap. Using a simple atomic-interference accelerometer, the team passes light through a super-cooled rubidium atom to produce a super-pure laser beam many times more efficient than anything known today.

    The technology is based on quantum mechanics, which even some L&NW readers grapple to understand. Also, it only works if you freeze your rubidium down to just a smidgen above absolute zero.

    So, if you just invested in a laser diecutter there’s a fair chance you won’t have to bone up on your quanta for many years to come. On the other hand...
    Suggested For You
    Arrow Inks Arrow Inks
    FLEXcon Company, Inc. FLEXcon Company, Inc.
    Lemu Group Helps Customers Meet Surging Demands Lemu Group Helps Customers Meet Surging Demands
    O Labels     Software Technology by Industry O Labels Software Technology by Industry
    Kocher + Beck highlights GapMaster enhancements Kocher + Beck highlights GapMaster enhancements
    Afinia Label Afinia Label
    Carolina Knife and Manufacturing, Inc. Carolina Knife and Manufacturing, Inc.
    Discover Achem Lamination Discover Achem Lamination
    GraphTech Ltd. GraphTech Ltd.
    Green Bay Packaging Inc. Green Bay Packaging Inc.
    Plastics Converting Solutions, Ltd Plastics Converting Solutions, Ltd
    Global Graphics touts SmartDFE Global Graphics touts SmartDFE
    Fujifilm, Edale find success with flexographic showroom Fujifilm, Edale find success with flexographic showroom
    Fujifilm forecasts bright future for labels Fujifilm forecasts bright future for labels
    Fujifilm responds to label and packaging growth with versatile portfolio Fujifilm responds to label and packaging growth with versatile portfolio

    Related Content

    • Arrow Inks

      Arrow Inks

      ...
      Mike Mitchell, President 05.11.22

    • FLEXcon Company, Inc.

      FLEXcon Company, Inc.

      ...
      Yvonne Okerberg, Marketing Communications Representative 05.06.22

    • Lemu Group Helps Customers Meet Surging Demands

      Lemu Group Helps Customers Meet Surging Demands

      The industry leader in the manufacture of technologically advanced converting equipment and packaging automation specific to the roll label and POS industry.


    • O Labels Software Technology by Industry

      ...
      Sebastian Morrison, Manager 04.27.22

    • Kocher + Beck highlights GapMaster enhancements

      Kocher + Beck highlights GapMaster enhancements

      In an interview with L&NW, David Morris explains how his company's latest technology gives the operator full control of the diecutting process.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor


      Breaking News
      • Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press
      • Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market
      • SunDance moves into flexible packaging with HP Indigo
      • Schreiner ProTech introduces new PCS solution for electric vehicle charging
      • FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates
      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

      Nootropics and Adaptogens Respond to Demand for Mind and Mood Support
      Sabinsa Honors 70th Anniversary of Diplomacy Between India and Japan
      Solvay Invests in Suanfarma’s Vanillin Production
      Coatings World

      Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

      Perstorp Group to be acquired by PETRONAS Chemicals Group
      PPG Launches HOMAX TEX>>PRO Texture System by PPG
      New Digital Solution from Interpon Helps Customers Bring Colors to Life
      Medical Product Outsourcing

      Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

      Texas Medical Center Partners with Enterprise Ireland
      MMT Acquires Medical Production Technology Europe
      Avanos Recalls Cortrak*2 Over Potential Enteral Tube Misplacement
      Contract Pharma

      Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

      Thabor Therapeutics Appoints Jérémie Mariau as CEO
      New Jersey Innovation Institute Sells BioCentriq Subsidiary for $73M
      Societal CDMO Unveils New Supply Chain Preparedness Service
      Beauty Packaging

      Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

      Johnson & Johnson Names CEO & CFO of Planned Consumer Health Company
      LaJeanell Launches Men’s Duo Skincare Product Set
      A Look at Machine Gun Kelly's $30K Diamond Mani
      Happi

      Latest Breaking News From Happi

      Dr. Squatch Launches Black Hole Bar Soap in Light of Recently-Revealed Black Hole in Milky Way
      Thread Beauty Launches Vegan Lip Gloss Collection
      Lip Shimmer, Powder Sunscreen and Retinol Drive Latest Beauty Searches: Spate
      Ink World

      Latest Breaking News From Ink World

      FTA and FFTA Announce 2022-2023 Board Updates
      WestRock Publishes 2021 Sustainability Report
      INX to Highlight Color Perfection Program, INX University at GulfCan
      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

      Tageos Highlights New RFID Products at RFID Journal Live! 2022
      LG Display’s Research Results Reaffirm OLED is Optimal Gaming Display
      Google Cloud, Saule Technologies and Columbus Energy Begin Strategic Cooperation

      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