Market trends

Parkside develops paper wrap for Sofi's Cookies

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 23:20:51 +0000

Parkside has developed a plastic-free paper wrapper for Greek baker Sofi's Cookies, replacing a previous compostable polymer pack also produced by Parkside with a fully recyclable alternative compatible with kerbside collection schemes.

The new packaging delivers grease and oxygen barrier performance to keep cookies fresh and prevent butter staining during transit, while carrying individually printed resort branding for a luxury resort chain operating across Spain and Greece.

The development reflects growing European legislative pressure toward recyclable packaging, with Parkside positioning paper-based flexible packaging as a route to compliance without compromising premium aesthetics.

'With evolving European legislation focusing heavily on recyclability, developing high-end paper packaging is the ideal way for businesses to future-proof their products,' said Ian McManus, sales account manager at Parkside. 'Fully recyclable paper materials are perfect for high-end, premium packaging applications. Sustainability and luxury don't have to conflict with one another.'

'We knew Parkside was the perfect match to bring our brand and our values to life through packaging,' added Sofia Tselepidou, managing director at Sofi's Cookies.

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3 days 12 hours ago

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Parkside develops paper wrap for Sofi's Cookies

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Greek baker switches from compostable polymer to kerbside-recyclable paper packaging.

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Greek baker switches from compostable polymer to kerbside-recyclable paper packaging.

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Durst partners with TUM on robotics and AI

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 22:57:49 +0000

Durst Group has launched a multi-year collaboration with TUM Venture Labs, a joint initiative of the Technical University of Munich and UnternehmerTUM, focusing on robotics, AI and automation for industrial production, with Durst becoming a Platinum Partner and the first Italian company in the TUM Venture Labs network.

The collaboration centers on the Robotics and AI Lab in Munich, one of Europe's leading deep-tech ecosystems for robotics, artificial intelligence, embedded systems and industrial automation. For Durst, the partnership extends the development of Kyveris, its industrial intelligence platform connecting machines, software, data and AI across label, packaging and industrial print production, into physical production through what it calls the AuRo-Layer, covering robotics, material flow and autonomous processes on the production floor.

The collaboration will involve regular expert exchange, joint development of innovation formats and the application of real production challenges from Durst's label and packaging operations to research and startup activity within the TUM Venture Labs ecosystem. Resulting automation and AI developments are intended not only for the printing industry but also for adjacent and cross-industry applications.

'Isolated machines are yesterday's model. Production is becoming connected, learning and autonomous,' said Christoph Gamper, CEO and co-owner of Durst Group. 'With Kyveris, we are building the system for this. Munich is no coincidence for us. This is where talents turn research into products in short cycles.'

'The partnership with Durst combines technological excellence, entrepreneurship and concrete application,' noted Dr Philipp Gerbert, CEO of TUM Venture Labs. 'This creates a strong environment for new automation around digital production.'

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4 days 13 hours ago

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Durst partners with TUM on robotics and AI

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Press manufacturer joins Munich deep-tech ecosystem as first Italian partner.

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Press manufacturer joins Munich deep-tech ecosystem as first Italian partner.

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UFlex empowers waste workers in Delhi NCR

Adyasha Sinha — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:20:26 +0000

UFlex has partnered with the UN Global Compact Network India (UNGCNI) to launch a three-year initiative to empower waste workers in Noida and Greater Noida. The program seeks to improve the lives of informal waste workers while promoting sustainable plastic waste management through a community-centric and inclusive approach.

The initiative aims to enable nearly 3,500 informal waste pickers and waste workers to access improved livelihood opportunities, occupational safety measures, capacity-building programs and greater social recognition, while strengthening plastic waste collection, segregation and recycling systems across selected high-impact clusters in the region. It is also expected to significantly increase worker incomes while improving financial stability, access to safer working conditions, skill development opportunities and dignity and inclusion within the formal waste management ecosystem. In addition, the initiative will extend awareness outreach to more than 30,000 households and institutions, demonstrating how environmental responsibility can create meaningful social and economic opportunities.

The project adopts a community-centric approach by strengthening existing waste management systems through partnerships with municipalities, recyclers, community institutions and civil society organizations, instead of creating new large-scale infrastructure.

The initiative will organize waste workers into structured groups and cooperatives, provide training in scientific waste handling and occupational safety, establish decentralized plastic waste aggregation centers and operationalize a recycling hub in collaboration with ecosystem partners. It will also undertake awareness campaigns on responsible plastic consumption and source segregation, deploy digital waste-flow monitoring systems to improve traceability and facilitate stakeholder collaboration to enhance the overall efficiency of the recycling ecosystem. The project is expected to contribute to a 30–40 percent reduction in unmanaged plastic waste across the identified intervention areas through improved segregation and recycling mechanisms by the end of the project.

Commenting on the partnership, Jeevaraj Pillai, director, sustainability, UFlex, said: 'At UFlex, we believe that sustainability is about creating opportunities that improve lives while protecting the environment. Every day, thousands of waste workers perform an invaluable service by keeping our cities clean, yet many continue to work without recognition, security, or opportunities for growth. Through our partnership with UN Global Compact Network India, we aspire to change that by empowering waste workers, enhancing their livelihoods, improving workplace safety and restoring the dignity and recognition they deserve. The initiative reflects our belief that lasting change begins with empowering people, supporting communities, and working together towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.'

Ratnesh, executive director, UNGCNI, added: 'Building a sustainable economy requires collaboration across industry, communities, governments and the informal workforce. This initiative demonstrates how partnerships can transform environmental challenges into opportunities for social inclusion and sustainable development. By empowering waste workers and strengthening local recycling ecosystems, we hope to create a model that can inspire similar interventions across the country.'

The initiative aligns with national priorities under the Swachh Bharat Mission, India’s circular economy agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

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1 week 1 day ago

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UFlex empowers waste workers in Delhi NCR

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The company partners with UN Global Compact Network India to enable 3,500 informal waste pickers and waste workers.

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The company partners with UN Global Compact Network India to enable 3,500 informal waste pickers and waste workers.

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Sticker Arabia to launch e-commerce platform

Akanksha Meena — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 05:48:07 +0000

Dubai based Sticker Arabia has developed a modern e-commerce platform designed to create a more seamless and accessible customer experience across mobile devices, tablets and desktop platforms as part of its ongoing growth strategy.

The platform, which is being developed in collaboration with experienced industry and technology professionals, is expected to further enhance communication, accessibility, operational efficiency and customer engagement throughout the ordering and service experience.

By integrating manufacturing expertise with innovation and technology, Sticker Arabia continues to position itself as a forward-looking labels and packaging partner built to support the evolving needs of businesses throughout the Middle East.

Sticker Arabia delivers premium labels and packaging designed to support modern brands, manufacturers, institutions, and government organizations operating in rapidly evolving markets where quality, speed, reliability and customer experience are becoming increasingly important.

The company supports a broad range of industries across both the public and private sectors, including government and public sector, FMCG products, food and beverage manufacturing, healthcare and pharma, supply chain, logistics, warehousing and operations, IT and digital services, travel, tourism and hospitality, manufacturing, education and institutional organizations, construction and real estate development, automotive and transportation, aviation and airline services, banking, financial services and insurance, media, advertising, and entertainment.

Sticker Arabia’s approach is centered on helping organizations strengthen their market presence, elevate brand identity, improve operational efficiency, and enhance shopper experience through high quality labels and packaging.

As consumer expectations and market standards continue to evolve across the Middle East, packaging has become far more than a product identifier. It is now a critical part of the customer journey, brand perception and overall business performance. Sticker Arabia continues to invest in advanced manufacturing capabilities, operational efficiency and customer experience initiatives designed to support the long-term growth objectives of its customers and partners.

Sustainability also remains an important pillar of the company’s long-term vision. Sticker Arabia actively supports environmentally responsible manufacturing practices and sustainable packaging initiatives aimed at improving material efficiency, reducing waste, optimizing production processes and contributing to a more sustainable future for the labels and packaging industry across the region.

The company believes the future of packaging will be driven by the combination of quality, innovation, speed, sustainability and digital transformation.

The company’s long-term vision is to continue expanding its operational capabilities, strengthen strategic partnerships and reinforce its position as one of the region’s most trusted and respected labels and packaging platforms.

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1 week 1 day ago

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Sticker Arabia to launch e-commerce platform

Short summary

Dubai based label and packaging converter aims to support evolving needs of businesses throughout the Middle East.

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Dubai based label and packaging converter aims to support evolving needs of businesses throughout the Middle East.

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Middle East

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Study forecasts fiber-based packaging lead by 2045

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 21:43:57 +0000

Fiber-based food packaging has been on course to become the leading sustainable material category by 2045, with its share of the global food packaging market forecast to rise from 37 percent today to 42 percent, driven by advances in barrier coatings, tightening regulation and consumer pressure on single-use plastics, according to a new study from UPM Specialty Materials and global consultancy Smithers.

The study, based on input from more than 230 global packaging professionals, found that 71 percent of respondents expect fiber-based packaging to be perceived as the most sustainable option by 2045, with barrier coating innovations set to unlock food applications previously limited to plastics. Global recycling rates are forecast to climb from 31 percent in 2030 to 37 percent by 2045, though respondents expect landfilling and incineration to persist, with significant variation between Europe, the US and Asia-Pacific.

Some 71 percent of respondents believe sustainability will become a strict government mandate rather than a brand differentiator by 2045, with 88 percent expecting that shift to fundamentally reshape packaging material choices. Extended Producer Responsibility schemes and eco-modulation fees are projected to become primary drivers of material selection, rewarding recyclable solutions and penalizing hard-to-recycle alternatives.

'Ongoing innovation in barrier technologies is opening up new applications for fiber-based packaging to compete with plastic alternatives,' said Ciaran Little, vice president of the global consulting information division at Smithers. 'EPR and eco-modulation are directly influencing material choices.'

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1 week 3 days ago

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Study forecasts fiber-based packaging lead by 2045

Short summary

Barrier coating advances and tightening regulation set to reshape food packaging market.

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Barrier coating advances and tightening regulation set to reshape food packaging market.

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Flint Group prepares for Loupe Americas

Adyasha Sinha — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:24:04 +0000

Flint Group has confirmed its participation at Loupe Americas, which will take place in Chicago from September 15–17, 2026. The company will bring its latest label and packaging products to Loupe Americas, showcasing its largest-ever presence at the event with a combined portfolio of ink, coating and digital print technologies from its narrow web and Flint Group Digital Xeikon business segments.

At Booth 5821, it will showcase EkoCure Dual Cure inks, designed to run on both conventional UV and UV LED systems. The technology provides flexibility across press configurations without requiring separate workflows, helping converters maintain consistent print performance when switching between jobs and curing technologies.

Also on display will be Flexocure Leap, the company’s latest UV conventional ink innovation. Built on a new resin platform, Flexocure Leap helps reduce the risk of photoinitiator migration while supporting packaging integrity and future regulatory compliance.

The company’s narrow web business segment will also highlight its Hydrokett and Hydrofilm water-based ink systems for narrow web paper and film applications, as well as its broad portfolio of conventional and digital coatings designed to enhance both functional performance and visual appeal.

Flint Group Digital Xeikon will run live demonstrations of three engines on the stand. TX500, powered by Titon dry toner technology, delivers food-safe, durable label production without additional varnish or lamination steps.

PX3300 HD is built on a 1200 DPI UV inkjet platform with PantherCure UV inks. This engine delivers the widest color gamut at 70m/min in CMYK+W. A subscription-based digital label press, Ecolyne is designed to give commercial printers and converters a low-risk, fully managed entry into the label market.

In addition, Flint Group Digital Xeikon experts will be available to discuss the Idera technology for corrugated post-print. Idera is the company’s single-pass UV inkjet platform purpose-built for high-quality, high-speed digital printing on corrugated board. Visitors can request printed samples and learn how Idera supports one of the fastest-growing segments in digital packaging.

Ser van de Graaf, sales and marketing director for Flint Group Digital Xeikon North America, said: 'Converters need technologies that align with their production requirements, and we are thrilled to run live demonstrations of our digital innovations throughout the show.

'Our digital portfolio includes dry toner and UV inkjet to support a wide range of applications, volumes and substrates, from entry-level production through to high-volume label printing. With Titon technology, we also offer a unique combination of dry toner print quality and UV inkjet durability.'

At Loupe, the company will also demonstrate FlintLink, its secure customer portal that provides 24/7 access to SDS and other business documentation, order management, troubleshooting, and remote technical support.

Visitors can also learn about the latest developments in Vivo Color technology, a cutting-edge, end-to-end digital color management platform designed to help printers achieve fast, accurate color matching across the pressroom. By enabling precise brand color reproduction and incorporating press return functionality to simplify ink reuse, Vivo supports smarter workflows, improves operational efficiency, and helps reduce ink inventory costs.

Kenneth Keathley, director of narrow web North America, concluded: 'We are excited to bring the full strength of Flint Group Packaging Solutions to Loupe Americas 2026. Our UV, UV LED, water-based and coating technologies are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing operations, providing stable performance, predictable curing, and support for evolving regulatory compliance requirements.

'This event is all about connecting with customers, understanding their goals and helping them identify practical ways to improve their operations. We invite attendees to visit Booth 5821 and discover how Flint Group Packaging Solutions can help support their business today and into the future.'

Posted date

1 week 4 days ago

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Flint Group prepares for Loupe Americas

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The company will present inks, coatings and digital print technology at the show.

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The company will present inks, coatings and digital print technology at the show.

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North America

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Loupe (Formerly Labelexpo)

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Mark Andy symposium shifts focus to business

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:34:51 +0000

Mark Andy's Europe Symposium 2026 has brought together more than 70 label and packaging converters for a day of business-focused discussions covering market trends, investment strategy and emerging technologies, with the event deliberately framed around business outcomes rather than press technology alone.

Spanish converter Mirmar provided a case study on hybrid production, with CEO Jaime Mir Pastor outlining how the company's two Mark Andy Digital Series HD presses have improved production flexibility and profitability by enabling job allocation across different run lengths. The presentation focused on measurable business outcomes rather than technical specifications.

Jakub Zaluska of Talkin' Things addressed the growing role of RFID in connected products, intelligent packaging and supply chain management, describing the technology as an operational reality rather than an emerging concept. Other sessions covered Digital Product Passports, changing consumer expectations, automation, digital marketing and cryptocurrency as an investment class.

'From the very beginning, our goal was for participants to leave the symposium with new business ideas rather than simply a catalog of new technologies,' said Lena Chmielewska-Bontron, marketing manager at Mark Andy Europe. 'Technology remains the foundation of what we do, but today it is equally important to understand the broader market, anticipate changes, and help customers prepare for what's next.'

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1 week 4 days ago

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Mark Andy symposium shifts focus to business

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More than 70 converters gather for European event centered on growth strategy.

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More than 70 converters gather for European event centered on growth strategy.

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Europe

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Conventional printing

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Sandon and Hamilton push anilox tolerance

Adyasha Sinha — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:13:19 +0000

British anilox manufacturer Sandon Global has completed a 15-month technical collaboration with Hamilton-Schades Labels, part of the Schades Group, achieving anilox tolerances beyond established flexographic industry standards to improve print accuracy, color consistency and long-term repeatability.

The project set out to determine whether tighter control of anilox volume consistency could be achieved and sustained in a production environment. The objective was to improve color stability and repeatability on press, while also reducing makeready time, minimizing waste and improving overall process predictability.

Led by flexo industry veteran Paul Larkin, technical director at Hamilton-Schades Labels, the collaboration focused on challenging established assumptions around anilox tolerances and their direct influence on color control in process printing.

A structured program of measurement and validation underpinned the work, including the assessment of 106 anilox rolls in operation at the company. Each engraving was inspected and quantified to establish baseline volume consistency and identify variation across the installed inventory.

The project aim for Sandon was to provide an anilox that gave even greater accuracy than current industry standards. The challenge was to establish the optimal combination of volume and line count to ensure consistent reproduction across repeat jobs, new press installations and replacement rolls, achieving the highest possible print quality standards. Testing included optical density, color balance and print performance across paper and film substrates, with Sandon Global’s Fluid UV cell structure used for all process inks throughout the program.

Larkin said: 'Flexographic printing depends on control across every stage of the process. All component parts must perform consistently over time. While line count remains part of the specification, it is the anilox volume that determines the ink film and therefore color accuracy.

'Achieving and maintaining these tolerances contributes to taking Hamilton’s quality and performance of label manufacturing to new heights.'

Laser processing and engraving were central to achieving the required level of control. The project was delivered by Sandon Global’s technical and R&D teams, led by Dr Menghui Zhu, research and development technical manager and head of the laser processing division. His expertise in laser engineering and process control was applied alongside Sandon Global’s advanced engraving technology.

Key laser parameters were tightly controlled and fixed to achieve target volumes without altering cell structure, supporting more consistent ink release on press.

Dr Siddharth Lokachari, research and technical manager of Sandon Global’s plasma coatings division, ensured coating performance supported durability and consistency across the anilox specification.

Jake Roberts, sales director at Sandon Global, said: 'Paul’s approach to measurement and control aligns closely with how we work at Sandon Global. This project demonstrates the value of applying that discipline consistently across both the flexo printing process and anilox manufacture.

'Our capability is strengthened by combining production experience with scientific understanding. Having in-house expertise such as Menghui’s academic background in laser processing, alongside Sid's coatings knowledge, enables us to connect detailed research with practical application in a production environment. That link is important in achieving consistent engraving performance and reliable results on the press.'

Larkin added: 'The results achieved have been quite remarkable and we have reached tighter tolerances than previously achieved. This project reflects the value of measurement and control in building a system that delivers repeatable, high-quality results.

'It also brings us closer to a digital level of tolerance, which is important as we continue to develop expanded color gamut printing. Tolerances are critical in this area, as even small deviations can affect color accuracy.'

With more than five decades in the label industry, Larkin has long advocated a measurement-led approach to improving productivity and quality. The project reflects that philosophy, focusing on consistency through detailed understanding and control of process variables.

He continued: 'Improvement at this level requires time, investment and a willingness to examine every stage of the process. Working with a partner prepared to commit to that approach has been essential in achieving these results.'

For Hamilton-Schades Labels, improved anilox consistency supports more stable color reproduction, fewer press adjustments and greater confidence in repeat jobs and new installations, strengthening capability for expanded color-gamut workflows.

The collaboration demonstrates that tighter anilox tolerances can be achieved and maintained in production, providing a more stable foundation for color control, reduced waste and improved operational efficiency in modern label printing.

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2 weeks 3 days ago

Short title

Sandon and Hamilton push anilox tolerance

Short summary

The collaboration focuses on challenging assumptions around anilox tolerance and its influence on color control in process printing.

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The collaboration focuses on challenging assumptions around anilox tolerance and its influence on color control in process printing.

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Skills warning as UK vacancies fall

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:52:49 +0000

Young People in Print and Packaging has warned that a decline in UK job vacancies could worsen the print and packaging sector's long-term skills shortage, following the release of an ONS labor market overview in June 2026 showing vacancies at their lowest level since 2021.

The organization said the data masks deeper structural problems for the industry, with manufacturing businesses and SMEs recording the sharpest falls in vacancy numbers. It warned that reduced hiring activity risks accelerating skills gaps in a sector already facing an aging workforce pipeline.

The ONS report follows the UK government's Young People and Work Review, which found that around one million 16 to 24-year-olds are not in employment, education or training.

'This report should be a warning shot for the industry,' said Jo Stephenson, board member of Young People in Print and Packaging. 'We are shutting the door on the next generation of talent at the exact moment when we should be welcoming them through it. Our industry depends on highly specialized knowledge that builds up over the years. Too much short-term caution risks creating long-term gaps in skills and innovation.'

Stephenson argued the sector is well positioned to attract young talent given its involvement in automation, AI, robotics, materials science, sustainability and data-led production, but said the industry needs to communicate that story more actively to schools, colleges and universities.

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2 weeks 4 days ago

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Skills warning as UK vacancies fall

Short summary

Print and packaging body flags aging talent pipeline as job openings hit five-year low.

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Print and packaging body flags aging talent pipeline as job openings hit five-year low.

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Ashe celebrates 50 years of innovation

Will Drysdale — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:13:29 +0000

UK-based Ashe Converting Equipment has been celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, marking five decades of innovation in slitting, rewinding and web handling technology.

Founded in 1976 by John Godbold, the Ipswich-headquartered company has grown from a manufacturer of drive control systems into a globally recognized supplier of slitting and rewinding machinery for narrow-, mid-, and wide-web applications. Today, Ashe has more than 1,250 machine installations worldwide, a subsidiary operation in the US and an extensive international distributor network.

The company's equipment is used across a diverse range of industries, processing labels, flexible packaging, paper, aluminum and specialist materials for food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, security and industrial applications.

Despite reaching its 50th year, Ashe remains firmly family-owned and family-managed.

Founder John Godbold, now 77, continues to serve as managing director and remains actively involved in the day-to-day running of the business. His three sons occupy key leadership roles: James Godbold oversees production as works director, Matthew Godbold leads sales for wide web machinery, and Simon Godbold heads sales for narrow and mid-web equipment.

The third generation has also begun to join the business. Jordan Godbold and Ella Godbold currently work as test engineers, while Oliver Godbold is expected to join the company after completing his university studies.

The wider workforce reflects Ashe's longstanding commitment to engineering skills development. Around half of the company's 75 employees have progressed through its apprenticeship program, helping to sustain the specialist expertise required to design and manufacture advanced converting equipment.

The origins of Ashe can be traced back to John Godbold's involvement with TS Ashe and Company, a manufacturer of variable-speed drives. After acquiring Ashe Controls, a development company serving TS Ashe, Godbold expanded the business into manufacturing.

One of Ashe's earliest successes came through its work with Titan, producing control panels and commissioning slitter rewinders during a formative period for the converting sector.

The company built its first fully reversible rewinder in 1982, supplying customers in the UK and mainland Europe. Subsequent developments included proprietary servo-driven guiding systems and reversible winding technology for printed materials.

According to Godbold, the move into complete slitting and rewinding systems was a natural progression.

At Drupa 1990, Ashe introduced its first complete slitter rewinder, securing orders from customers in the UK, Spain and South Africa.

'We saw an opportunity to improve winding quality and tension control,' said Godbold. 'Many machines at the time generated excessive waste, so we focused on developing equipment that could deliver significantly better web handling performance.'

As demand grew, Ashe invested heavily in expanding its manufacturing infrastructure.

The company established its purpose-built facility in Ipswich before expanding production space in 1993. Further investment followed in 2000 with the addition of a dedicated assembly hall equipped with twin 10-tonne cranes to accommodate larger machinery.

A major expansion completed in 2017 increased Ashe's manufacturing footprint to approximately 45,000 sq ft.

Today, around 80 percent of machine components are manufactured in-house. Mechanical engineers utilize advanced 3D CAD systems, while dedicated electrical and software teams develop bespoke machine control systems tailored to individual customer requirements.

One of the company's most significant recent investments came in 2019 with the installation of a fully automatic five-axis machining center for manufacturing machine side frames.

Valued at more than £700,000, the system enables precision machining of side frames up to 100mm thick and has significantly improved both productivity and manufacturing accuracy.

International markets have played an important role in Ashe's growth strategy from the outset.

In 2007, the company acquired a 45,000 sq ft facility on a five-acre site in Vermont, US. The site now supports sales, service and spare parts operations, with the North American market accounting for between 40 and 50 percent of the company's business.

'We've been exporting since day one,' said Godbold. 'Serving international markets has always been a fundamental part of our business.'

Over the past three decades, Ashe has developed one of the industry's most extensive converting portfolios.

The company entered the narrow-web sector in the late 1990s after recognizing growing opportunities in the label industry. Today, its portfolio includes the Opal ISR inspection slitter rewinder, featuring 100 percent inspection capability, automatic knife positioning and multiple slitting configurations.

Other solutions include the Opal in-line/off-line turret rewinder, the fully servo-driven Opal label converting line and the Solitaire narrow web slitter rewinder, which handles filmic substrates, papers, laminates, aluminum foils and pressure-sensitive materials.

For wider web applications, Ashe's Sapphire S2 Duplex remains its flagship slitter-rewinder, incorporating the company's proprietary vacuum-roller technology for enhanced tension isolation. Additional products include the Diamond Duplex, Onyx and Solitaire Duplex platforms, as well as the Jade primary and secondary slitting systems and Emerald rewinding solutions.

The company is currently developing a new 10m-wide slitter featuring individual rewind arms and is preparing to launch a new digital converting platform with integrated in-line flexographic printing. The latter is expected to debut at Labelexpo Europe next year.

Throughout its history, Ashe has built a reputation for expertise in low-tension winding and advanced web handling technologies.

'Slitting and rewinding is an art,' said Godbold. 'You have to understand tension control and how to handle materials without introducing stress into the web.'

Looking to the future, he expects automation, inspection and security functionality to play an increasingly important role across the converting sector.

'There will be greater levels of automation and increasingly sophisticated web handling systems,' he said. 'Inspection and security requirements are becoming more important across a growing number of applications as regulatory and customer demands continue to increase.'

As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary, retirement is not yet on the agenda for its founder.

'I still enjoy coming into work,' Godbold said. 'It's a resilient and innovative industry that never stands still. There is always something new to develop.'

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3 weeks 1 day ago

Short title

Ashe celebrates 50 years of innovation

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Family-owned converting specialist celebrates half a century of engineering.

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Family-owned converting specialist celebrates half a century of engineering.

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Europe

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