• 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
    The 2023 TLMI Label Awards

    Digital Printing Report

    Laser Diecutting

    Labelexpo Europe 2023 Post-Show Report

    Narrow Web Profile: TLF Graphics
    Breaking News
    Converter News
    European Label News
    Industry News
    Industry People
    M&A News
    New Products
    Expert's Opinion
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    APR joins Canada Plastics Pact

    Flexcon Global adds James Slaughter to team

    Independent II boosts packaging capabilities with Domino

    Avery Dennison announces atma.io updates

    Dantex Poland celebrates 25th anniversary
    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

    Avery Dennison announces atma.io updates

    Bobst, partners win Packaging Europe Sustainability Award

    L9 World Label Association's Best of the Best

    Aquapak's Hydropol honored for addressing recycling challenges

    Wausau Coated Products launches 100% cotton labelstock
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    China
    Europe
    India
    Latin America
    Middle East
    North America

    APR joins Canada Plastics Pact

    Dantex Poland celebrates 25th anniversary

    Best of the Best L9 WLA label award winners announced

    Autajon Group acquires Royston Labels

    India’s Maharshi Labels installs Baldwin’s Guardian OLP
    Flexography
    Digital Printing
    Prepress
    Finishing
    Sustainability

    APR joins Canada Plastics Pact

    HP addresses label and packaging trends

    Independent II boosts packaging capabilities with Domino

    Bobst, partners win Packaging Europe Sustainability Award

    All4Labels excels with Flint Group's EkoCure Dual Cure ink
    Digital Printers & Presses
    Flexo Presses
    Label Converting Equipment
    Label Finishing Equipment
    Prepress Equipment

    India’s Maharshi Labels installs Baldwin’s Guardian OLP

    Arrow Systems adds Ron Brown to sales team

    Abbott Label adds HP Indigo 6K digital press

    MPS appoints Davide Pomati regional sales director

    XSYS names Oliver Dohn CEO
    Dies And Tooling
    Flexo Supplies
    Ink & Coatings
    Prepress Supplies
    Pressrooom Supplies
    Substrates

    APR joins Canada Plastics Pact

    Avery Dennison announces atma.io updates

    All4Labels excels with Flint Group's EkoCure Dual Cure ink

    Channeled Resources Group adds significant coating capacity

    Avery Dennison emphasizes importance of overlamination films
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Label Converters
    Trade Associations
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    D.P.R. Labeling LLC

    Lemu Group America

    K Laser Technology (USA) Co., Ltd.

    Delta ModTech

    Martin Automatic Inc.
    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.
    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
    Green Bay Packaging Inc. Green Bay Packaging Inc.
    GraphTech Ltd. GraphTech Ltd.
    Trebnick Systems, Inc. Trebnick Systems, Inc.
    Carolina Knife & Manufacturing, Inc. Carolina Knife & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Lemu Group Helps Customers Meet Surging Demands Lemu Group Helps Customers Meet Surging Demands
    Discover Achem Lamination Discover Achem Lamination
    Arrow Inks Arrow Inks
    FLEXcon Company, Inc. FLEXcon Company, Inc.
    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
    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

    Related Buyers Guide Companies

    • Green Bay Packaging Inc.

      ...
      Dillan Thomas, Marketing Manager 04.18.23

    • GraphTech Ltd.

      ...
      Ivan Ivanov, CEO 04.06.23

    • Trebnick Systems, Inc.

      ...
      gregg trebnick, SALES 03.23.23


    • Carolina Knife & Manufacturing, Inc.

      ...
      Michael Fischer, Carolina Knife & Manufacturing, Inc. 03.23.23

    • Lemu Group Helps Customers Meet Surging Demands

      Lemu Group Helps Customers Meet Surging Demands

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

    Loading, Please Wait..

    Breaking News
    • APR joins Canada Plastics Pact
    • Flexcon Global adds James Slaughter to team
    • Independent II boosts packaging capabilities with Domino
    • Avery Dennison announces atma.io updates
    • Dantex Poland celebrates 25th anniversary
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    November/December 2023

    • DIVE INTO DIGITAL
    • THE 2023 TLMI LABEL AWARDS
    • Digital Printing Report
    • Laser Diecutting
    • Labelexpo Europe 2023 Post-Show Report
    • Narrow Web Profile: TLF Graphics
    • View More >

    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

    Kyowa Hakko Discussed Cognitive Health Supplements at Neuro Navigators Event
    ADM Issues First Annual Regenerative Agriculture Report
    FDA’s Safety Review of NAC to Go Under Peer Review
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    CCAI’s 2024 Industrial Finishing Safety Seminar Heads to Minnesota
    PPG Asian Paints Unveils Flagship Center of Cartisan in Pune
    AkzoNobel and Kansai Paint Mutually Agree Not to Proceed with African Transaction
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Revvity Launches EONIS Q System
    Vivos' Oral Device Treatment Earns FDA Nod for Severe OSA
    RSNA23: Philips Highlights Next-Gen Ultrasound Systems
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Almac, Queen’s University Launch Drug Discovery Facility in Belfast
    Kadans Science Partner Given Green Light for New Lab in UK
    FDA Clears Xellia's Premix Bag Products from Cleveland Site
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Tarte Unveils New Lip Plump with Shimmer Finish and Honors Teachers
    Berlin Packaging Acquires Nest-Filler PKG
    Arcade Beauty Acquires TruEssence Scented Strips Business from Orlandi
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Nu Skin Opens New Manufacturing Facility in China
    Tarte Cosmetics Extols Teachers In New Campaign Featuring Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump Shimmer Glass
    Pete Davidson Promotes Manscaped’s New Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra In Cheeky New Commercial
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Kodak Appoints Bitpress as Channel Partner
    DIC Builds New Printing Inks Production Facility in Nantong
    2023 CPIPC Christmas Party will be Saturday, Dec. 9
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    APR joins Canada Plastics Pact
    Flexcon Global adds James Slaughter to team
    Independent II boosts packaging capabilities with Domino
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Trützschler Card Clothing Offers Z-Wire
    NatureWorks Names New CEO
    Gessner Offers Craneglas for the Battery Market
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Study Shows How a Multimodal Feedback System Can Improve Laser Surgery
    ReWalk Robotics Shows Proof-of-Concept for AI-Powered Exoskeleton
    Monogram Orthopedics Delivers First Surgical Robot
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    GIANCE Project Starts Pioneering Sustainable Graphene-Based Solutions
    SBTi Confirms SCHOTT's Ambitious Carbon Reduction Plans
    HID to Provide Finland with New Driver’s License

    Copyright © 2023 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