Market trends

Edale appoints VBR All Service as distributor for Italy

Akanksha Meena — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 10:13:13 +0000

Edale, a Canon company and UK-based manufacturer of flexographic printing and converting equipment, has appointed VBR All Service as its distributor for Italy, strengthening local sales and support for label and packaging converters.

VBR All Service will represent Edale’s printing and converting portfolio across the Italian market. Alongside the supply of Edale presses, it will provide consultancy, installation, operator training, technical assistance, preventive and corrective maintenance and genuine spare parts.

The agreement combines Edale’s engineering expertise and focus on innovation with VBR All Service’s knowledge of the Italian market and responsive local service. Together, the companies aim to support Italian converters in their efforts to improve productivity, enhance operational efficiency and strengthen long-term performance.

Lachlan Buirds, managing director at Edale, said: ‘Italy has one of Europe’s strongest label and packaging sectors, and we are seeing converters increasingly look at how they can automate more of their production, reduce complexity and improve efficiency.

‘VBR All Service gives us the local knowledge and technical expertise to build on that opportunity. For Italian converters, it means access to Edale technology supported by experienced local expertise, from the initial conversation through to installation, training and ongoing service.’

The partnership began when VBR All Service sought a partner that shared its commitment to innovation and could offer technology that help customers transform the way they manufacture. Edale stood out for its engineering expertise, forward-thinking approach and ability to develop technologies that respond to the evolving needs of the packaging and label industry.

The CartonLine FL6p will form an important part of the partnership. The platform brings printing and converting into a single integrated workflow, which, for certain applications, can replace what has traditionally required several machines and production stages. This approach can help simplify production, reduce handling and support efforts to optimize production time and operating costs.

Corrado Voghera, owner and sales manager at VBR All Service, said: ‘We are proud to become Edale’s partner in Italy. This agreement represents an important milestone for VBR All Service and reinforces our commitment to bringing innovative technologies to Italian label and packaging converters.

‘We are particularly excited about the opportunities offered by the CartonLine FL6p. Its integrated printing and converting workflow can, for certain applications, replace what has traditionally required multiple machines and production stages, bringing these capabilities together in a single manufacturing platform. Combined with our expertise in sales, installation, technical support, maintenance and spare parts, we are confident this partnership can deliver significant value to our customers.’

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Edale appoints VBR All Service as distributor for Italy

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VBR All Service will represent Edale’s printing and converting portfolio across the Italian market.

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VBR All Service will represent Edale’s printing and converting portfolio across the Italian market.

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EyeC appoints distribution partner for Benelux

Akanksha Meena — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 09:59:08 +0000

EyeC, a global provider of automated artwork inspection and print inspection systems, has expanded its European sales network with Induvido BV as a new distribution partner covering the Benelux region.

Going forward, Induvido will represent EyeC's in-line inspection systems ProofRunner Web and ProofRunner Carton in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Further information is available at EyeC.com.

With Induvido on board, EyeC gains a strong partner for the Benelux market. The young, Brussels-based company, founded by Kenny Dom, combines technical expertise with deep experience in the print and packaging industry. The partnership focuses on sales, consultative selling, installation, and on-site technical support for EyeC's ProofRunner Web and Carton systems. These 100 percent in-line print inspection systems continuously monitor the full production run of roll-fed materials such as labels and flexible packaging, as well as folding cartons, flagging relevant defects in real time. This enables early defect detection, more targeted control over production processes, and reduced unnecessary waste.

'We're excited to partner with EyeC and give our customers access to a proven in-line inspection solution. With quality, efficiency, and process reliability becoming ever more critical, we see significant potential for the EyeC ProofRunner systems in the Benelux market,’ said Kenny Dom, business manager at Induvido.

‘Induvido understands the demands of the print and packaging industry and offers the direct market access we've been looking for to grow our in-line business in Benelux. We're confident this partnership will open up new growth opportunities for both sides, and we're looking forward to taking this journey together,’ added Ioannis Georgiadis, business development manager at EyeC.

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EyeC appoints distribution partner for Benelux

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Induvido will represent EyeC's in-line inspection systems ProofRunner Web and ProofRunner Carton in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

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Induvido will represent EyeC's in-line inspection systems ProofRunner Web and ProofRunner Carton in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

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Finat Printer-to-Printer Seminar 2026

Akanksha Meena — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 08:17:58 +0000

Finat has confirmed that it will organize Printer-to-Printer (P2P) Seminar 2026, taking place in Milan from 4-6 November.

Positioned as a practical, highly interactive experience rather than a traditional conference, the seminar is designed to encourage open discussion, peer learning and the exchange of real-world experiences among label converters, suppliers and industry experts.

The European label industry is facing no shortage of challenges and opportunities, from sustainability and automation to workforce development, brand expectations and operational excellence. The question is not whether change is happening, but how label companies can learn from one another to respond successfully.

Built around the theme ‘Printing Excellence - Building the Next Generation of Label Printers’, the program combines presentations with audience participation, panel discussions, live voting, round-table discussions and networking opportunities. The objective is simple: move beyond theory and create meaningful conversations that help businesses improve performance and prepare for the future.

One of the program highlights is a converter-led panel discussion asking a deceptively simple question: ‘What does excellence mean to you?’

Featuring label converters All4Labels, Lappi Group, Marzek Etiketten, Tikedo, and Aztec Label, the session will explore how businesses define and measure excellence in a rapidly changing marketplace. Is excellence primarily about operational efficiency? Customer service? Innovation? Sustainability? Employee development? Or the ability to adapt and stay resilient in uncertain times?

Rather than presenting a single answer, the panel will encourage delegates to compare approaches, challenge assumptions and learn directly from their peers. This exchange of best practice lies at the heart of the Printer-to-Printer Seminar concept and reflects Finat's commitment to creating opportunities for honest, practical industry dialogue.

For label converters, the discussion offers valuable benchmarking opportunities and real-life examples from fellow business leaders. For suppliers, it provides direct insight into the priorities, challenges and decision-making processes of their customers.

Another major highlight of the program is the end-user panel, which brings the perspective of brand owners directly to the P2P audience.

Finat members consistently express the desire to hear more from the companies that ultimately specify, select and influence packaging solutions. The end-user session addresses that demand by creating a platform for dialogue between converters, suppliers and brand representatives.

Among the contributors is Stefan Casey, founder of Lightning Tree and a recognized leader in packaging, branding and design. Throughout his career, Casey has worked with some of the world's most recognized brands across the FMCG, luxury, beauty and beverage sectors, including Nestlé, Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Campari, Jameson, Estée Lauder, Twinings, Boots, Levi's and BAT.

His experience spans packaging innovation, sustainability transformation, fiber-based packaging and the emerging role of AI in package design and brand development. Bringing this perspective into a P2P environment creates a rare opportunity for delegates to better understand how brand owners view packaging challenges, what they expect from supply-chain partners and how collaboration can deliver greater value.

For both converters and suppliers, understanding the priorities of brand owners is increasingly important as sustainability requirements, regulatory developments and consumer expectations continue to evolve.

What makes the Printer-to-Printer Seminar unique is that it is not exclusively for converters or suppliers. Instead, it creates an environment where the entire label value chain can learn together.

Converters gain exposure to new ideas, technologies and business approaches while benchmarking themselves against industry peers. Suppliers gain deeper insight into converter needs and future market requirements. Both groups benefit from direct interaction with brands, technology experts and industry thought leaders.

The result is a seminar designed not simply to deliver information, but to stimulate discussion, challenge thinking and encourage collaboration across the industry. This aligns closely with the event's campaign message ‘Presentations start the conversation. You help take it further.’

As the European label industry continues to navigate change, the Finat Printer-to-Printer Seminar aims to provide something increasingly valuable: a forum where people can learn from each other's successes, discuss common challenges and explore together what excellence will look like for the next generation of label printers.

For more information and registration, visit the Finat website.

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Kridwinn and BawaTech partner for digital growth

Akanksha Meena — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 10:53:37 +0000

Gurugram, Delhi-NCR, India-based Kridwinn Innovations and Chandigarh, Punjab-based BawaTech Solutions & Consultants have entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate the market development and adoption of industrial inkjet and digital printing technologies across India.

The collaboration brings together Kridwinn’s growing portfolio of industrial inkjet, digital printing, variable-data, digital label, finishing and converting technologies with BawaTech’s more than 26 years of professional national and international consultation experiences across printing technologies, digital printing, industrial printing, digital print enhancement, business development and OEM partnerships.

The partnership will follow an application-led approach, helping printers, publishers, converters and print service providers evaluate technology not only on specifications but also on application suitability, workflow integration, media compatibility, production economics, operating costs, and customer demand.

Jimit Mittal, managing director and CEO, Kridwinn Innovations, said: ‘Our focus is on developing practical and scalable technology solutions that address genuine production requirements. This association with BawaTech adds an important market and application dimension to our approach. Together, we aim to strengthen the connection between technology capability and business opportunity for printers.’

Amritpal Singh Bawa, founder and CEO, BawaTech Solutions & Consultants, added: ‘The current Indian printing market is ready for a more application-focused approach to digital arena. A printer should not evaluate an investment only by asking how fast a machine can run. The important questions are: What applications it can produce? Who the customers are? What the production economics look like and where the business opportunity lies?’

Industrial inkjet is gaining increasing relevance across varied applications, including books and publishing, print-on-demand, transactional printing, security printing, labels, personalized communications and variable-data production. As investment decisions become more application-specific, printers are looking beyond traditional parameters such as speed and resolution. In this, the Kridwinn–BawaTech association will therefore focus on the complete business proposition surrounding digital printing technology, responding to the question: ‘What can the technology earn for customers?’

'What attracted me to Kridwinn have always been its combination of experienced industry professionals, technology development capabilities and a growing portfolio of industrial digital printing solutions,’ said Bawa, adding, ‘My approach has always been that a machine demonstration should ultimately become a business demonstration. Through this association, we will bring the market and consulting experience together with Kridwinn’s technology portfolio to help customers evaluate digital printing opportunities from both technical and commercial perspectives.’

Kridwinn has developed a portfolio covering industrial inkjet, print-on-demand, variable-data printing, security printing, digital labels, finishing and converting applications. A key offering is the DIGIMAC Series industrial inkjet presses, developed for applications including book printing, publishing, transactional printing and security applications. The platform is available in monochrome, dual-color and CMYK configurations, across diverse web widths of 440mm, 660mm and 880mm and print resolutions up to 1200 DPI, depending on configuration. Kridwinn’s portfolio has also expanded with the DIGIMAC Compact 440 CMYK, along with PrimisN variable-data imprinting technology, digital label printing solutions and finishing and converting technologies.

Dinesh Thakur, director, sales and marketing, kridwinn Innovations, stated: ‘Customers nowadays are increasingly looking beyond headline specifications and asking practical questions around productivity, operating costs, media compatibility, workflow integration and commercial potential of an investment. In this respect, BawaTech’s market experience and application-oriented approach complement Kridwinn’s technology and sales capabilities.’

A key area of the Kridwinn-BawaTech partnership will be digital print enhancement (DPE) for labels and packaging, where printers and converters are increasingly exploring ways to create differentiated and value-added products. Digital enhancement technologies can support applications such as premium labels, personalized embellishment, tactile effects, digital spot effects, metallic and decorative effects and other specialized finishes, depending on technology and application requirements.

These capabilities can create opportunities across promotional campaigns, limited editions, seasonal products, personalized marketing and premium packaging. BawaTech will support customers in evaluating enhancement opportunities from both technical and commercial perspectives, including substrate suitability, workflow, finishing requirements, production economics and customer value.

Kridwinn and BawaTech will collaboratively focus on identifying applications where digital printing and enhancement can deliver productivity, flexibility, operational efficiency, product differentiation or new business opportunities, while exploring additional technologies and solutions as the market requirements evolve. The association reflects a shared commitment to connecting technology, applications and commercial opportunity, helping printers and converters get informed digital technology decisions.

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Kridwinn and BawaTech partner for digital growth

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A key area of the Kridwinn-BawaTech partnership will be digital print enhancement (DPE) for labels and packaging.

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A key area of the Kridwinn-BawaTech partnership will be digital print enhancement (DPE) for labels and packaging.

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Multi-layer defense against counterfeiting

Adyasha Sinha — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 16:53:12 +0000

Market trends 30 September 2026

Multi-layer defense against counterfeiting

As counterfeiters become more sophisticated, brands are turning to equally advanced authentication technologies to stay one step ahead.

Counterfeit products are rising across industries, posing growing risks to consumer safety and brand trust. From life-saving medicines to everyday consumer goods, recent cases show that no sector is immune to counterfeiting.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently warned of falsified cancer medication discovered in the Maldives and Mexico after they were distributed through unauthorized suppliers. In the cosmetics sector, counterfeit Korean beauty products caused an estimated 15.1 million USD in damages in 2025, fueled by increasingly sophisticated fakes. Food fraud has also escalated: authorities in Spain and Italy seized more than 260,000 liters of falsely labeled extra virgin olive oil in 2023, while Portugal confiscated over 17,000 liters of fraudulent olive oil in 2025. In Turkey, officials seized nearly 30 million USD worth of counterfeit honey in just a few months in 2025.

While these incidents have been exposed, the true scale of counterfeit products remaining undetected in the market is impossible to know.

The risk of fake goods is growing as counterfeiters are adopting increasingly sophisticated techniques that make
fake products harder to detect. The consequences extend beyond lost revenue, damaging brand reputation, eroding
consumer trust and, in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food, posing serious health and safety risks.

‘Counterfeiting, gray market diversion, return fraud and unauthorized resales have become harder to manage across
increasingly fragmented channels, and for many brands, the risk is not just lost revenue,’ says Ashley Burkle, director of
business development at Identiv, provider of specialized IoT inlays, tags and labels. ‘Flooded support channels, false warranty claims and reviews, shaped by products that were never genuine, compound that exposure. This leads to consumers bearing a more immediate cost, unknowingly paying full price for products that compromise performance and, in some cases, their safety.’

Traditional security not enough

Consumers are increasingly falling victim to counterfeit products because counterfeiters now have access to high-quality printing and packaging technologies.

‘Traditional, static security features are becoming increasingly insufficient because counterfeiters today have access to advanced printing technologies, digital design tools and global manufacturing networks that allow them to replicate visible security elements with a high degree of accuracy,’ says Nina Zehetmaier, head of sales at Securikett, Austrian security and
brand protection label manufacturer.

“Counterfeiters today have access to advanced printing technologies, digital design tools and global manufacturing networks that allow them to replicate visible security elements with a high degree of accuracy”

Classic security features such as holograms, special inks, taggants or security print still provide a high level of protection, but effective protection relies on proprietary technologies,
custom‑developed security elements and controlled manufacturing processes that are not publicly available or easily sourced.

Zehetmaier explains: ‘The higher the barrier to understanding and reproducing a security feature, the more effective it becomes as a deterrent against counterfeiting. Security features that are readily available on the open market can, by definition, also be accessed by counterfeiters. Once they are copied, every counterfeit product can carry the same feature.’

She notes that the company has come across cloned labels from time to time, including imitations of its own labels. ‘While some of them may appear quite convincing at first glance and could potentially mislead an uninformed consumer, they are usually relatively easy for a trained eye to identify as counterfeit. The reason is that counterfeiters typically focus on replicating only one element, most often the label's visual appearance. However, effective product protection is not based on a single visible feature, but on a layered security concept.’

Multiple layers of security

As counterfeiting becomes more widespread and sophisticated, brands are moving beyond reactive measures
and embedding product authentication into packaging from the outset.

‘We are observing a clear shift from a reactive protection approach to proactive security design,’ says Stefan Wiedemann, senior director, strategic marketing and business development at Schreiner MediPharm, pharma and healthcare label expert and business unit of Schreiner Group. ‘Instead of adding security features only after a problem occurs, brand owners increasingly want labels to be part of the product protection strategy from the start. At the same time, there is growing demand for connected, smartphone‑enabled authentication solutions that make verification easier, generate data and support more transparent supply chains.’

This shift recognizes that a single security feature is no longer sufficient. As counterfeiters become more adept at replicating packaging and security elements, brands are adopting multi-layered authentication strategies that combine several independent forms of protection.

‘Each security layer operates independently while contributing to the overall system. This means that even if one element were to be copied or compromised, the remaining layers would continue to protect product integrity,’ explains Zehetmaier.

Rather than relying on a single overt feature such as a hologram, modern product protection combines overt, covert and digital security elements with serialization and track-and-trace technologies. This layered approach enables companies to authenticate individual products, monitor their movement through the supply chain, identify diversion and detect suspicious activity far earlier, making counterfeiting significantly more difficult while generating valuable supply chain intelligence.

To strengthen protection, so-called ‘phygital’ labels combine
multiple layers of security, including overt and covert physical
features, unique digital identifiers and cloud-based authentication.

NFC-enabled packaging operates at close range, enabling encrypted, secure data exchange with the tap of a standard smartphone

As a result, phygital labels are increasingly being adopted.
Overt features allow consumers or field staff to perform a quick visual check. Covert features give trained personnel an additional level of verification, while forensic elements provide highly secure evidence for expert analysis.

Wiedemann of Schreiner MediPharm says brand owners are
increasingly seeking an integrated, label-based security system rather than standalone anti-counterfeit features. ‘The goal is not simply to raise the hurdle for counterfeiters, but to create a solution that supports authentication, protects brand integrity and fits into existing packaging and supply chain processes.

‘Unlike approaches that focus solely on either physical or
digital protection, our phygital labels bring both worlds together,’ he says. ‘They not only protect products against tampering and counterfeiting but also connect them to a secure digital identity.’

This layered approach makes counterfeiting more difficult,
supports different authentication scenarios and gives brand owners more flexibility to adapt the security level to the risk profile of a product or market.

That digital identity transforms packaging from a passive label
into an interactive touchpoint. According to Burkle of Identiv,
packaging has traditionally been a one-way communication tool, but phygital technology allows brands to continue engaging with consumers long after a purchase. A smartphone tap can verify authenticity while also providing product information, warranty activation, reordering, loyalty rewards or other digital services. Securikett’s Codikett platform links every label to a unique digital identity, enabling authentication, track-and-trace, consumer engagement, analytics and compliance with emerging initiatives such as the Digital Product Passport (DPP).

Identiv’s NFC embeds a unique hardware-based identity into
each product, enabling secure item-level authentication.

Growth in security labels

Demand for product authentication is growing across industries as counterfeit goods become an increasingly widespread challenge. While the underlying technologies are often similar, implementation varies according to industry needs.

‘For instance, in the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory
compliance, serialization, tamper evidence and patient safety are key, while cosmeceuticals often require premium-looking security features that protect exclusivity and brand value,’ says Wiedemann.

Most brand owners now recognize the risks posed by
counterfeiting, product diversion and unauthorized distribution.
However, adoption often lags, with many companies delaying
investment until a counterfeiting incident occurs, a clear
business case is established, or regulatory requirements make implementation unavoidable, according to Zehetmaier of Securikett.

“Instead of adding security features only after a problem occurs, brand owners increasingly want labels to be part of the product protection strategy from the start”

The pace of adoption also varies by region. In Europe and parts of North America, authentication and traceability initiatives are largely driven by regulatory requirements. In contrast, emerging markets are more heavily influenced by consumer demand and the direct impact of counterfeiting.

‘In China and several other Asian markets, consumer awareness of counterfeiting is exceptionally high,’ Zehetmaier adds. ‘We also see growing interest in regions with a particularly high incidence of counterfeiting, including parts of the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia. In these markets, concerns around product authenticity, consumer safety and supply chain integrity are driving increased awareness and demand for advanced authentication solutions.’

Beyond that, regulation remains one of the strongest drivers for adoption worldwide. ‘Particularly in pharmaceuticals, where serialization, traceability, and tamper evidence requirements have accelerated the use of security labels worldwide. These requirements encourage companies to implement labels that not only identify products, but also help verify authenticity, ensure product integrity and protect users,’ says Wiedemann.

Regulation is driving adoption, particularly in pharmaceuticals

Similar momentum is building across other industries as
governments place greater importance on product safety, supply chain transparency, sustainability and consumer protection. DPP could have a similar transformative effect by creating a common framework for product-level identification, traceability and digital engagement across multiple sectors.

Consumer expectations are also evolving in favor of brand
protection technologies. According to Burkle, consumers no longer accept packaging at face value; they increasingly want to verify a product’s authenticity and claim for themselves. A recent GS1 US survey found that more than 65 percent of consumers are willing to interact with packaging to access additional product information.

‘As trust and transparency become central to purchasing
decisions, traditional packaging is no longer enough. While it
can communicate product information, it cannot verify where a
product has been, whether it has been tampered with or whether the label corresponds to the specific item in hand. Embedding secure digital identities into packaging enables brands to provide real-time, product-specific information that consumers can trust,’ Burkle explains.

Barriers to adoption

Despite growing interest in product authentication, cost and
implementation challenges continue to slow adoption.

“In the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory compliance, serialization, tamper evidence and patient safety are key, while cosmeceuticals often require premium-looking security features that protect exclusivity and brand value”

While cost remains an important consideration, Wiedemann says it is no longer the primary obstacle. Many brands are more concerned about integrating authentication technologies into existing packaging lines and supply chain processes. Successful adoption depends on demonstrating that security technologies can be implemented with minimal disruption while delivering measurable business value.

‘Customers are especially receptive to technologies that integrate smoothly into their existing processes, can be verified reliably, and offer clear benefits for brand protection or supply chain visibility. Smartphone-based authentication, connected product identification, tamper-evident concepts and combined analog-digital solutions are gaining attention where they are supported by a clear communication and security strategy,’ Wiedemann adds.

Zehetmaier agrees that the biggest barriers are often economic and organizational rather than technological. ‘While brands may be aware of the risks posed by counterfeiting, they struggle to justify the investment before a concrete problem has occurred. Hence, they view security measures as an insurance policy rather than a strategic business tool.’

Another challenge is complexity. Many advanced authentication labels require integrating multiple technologies, vendors and systems, which can be difficult for organizations with limited resources or technical expertise to manage.

Brands often also lack the dedicated personnel and organizational resources needed to implement, maintain and actively leverage these systems. Even when the technology itself is available, managing authentication programs, analyzing data and acting on the resulting insights can be challenging without the necessary internal capabilities.

Another barrier is the perception that sophisticated security
technologies are only relevant for large multinational companies or heavily regulated industries. In reality, counterfeiters often target brands that tend to have fewer protection measures in place.

Finally, there is often a lack of visibility regarding the true scale of the problem. Counterfeiting can remain undetected for years, making it difficult to build a compelling business case.

‘As technology becomes more accessible and cloud-based
platforms reduce implementation complexity, we expect these
barriers to continue to decrease,’ Zehetmaier notes. ‘The key
challenge is helping brands understand that modern security labels are no longer merely a cost of protection but an investment in trust, transparency and business intelligence.’

Burkle of Identiv echoes this view, noting that the challenge
lies less in coordinating packaging, supply chain and cloud-based systems at scale. As a result, adoption has been fastest in sectors where the cost of counterfeiting is most apparent, including pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, beauty, and wine and spirits.

Overt, Covert and Connected

As counterfeiting becomes more sophisticated, brand
protection demands a multi-layered response. By pairing overt, covert and connected digital traceability features, brands can achieve complete visibility from factory to shelf.

Overt features are visible security elements on labels or packaging that can be verified with the naked eye. Examples include holograms, color-shifting inks, hot/cold foils, tamper-evident shrink-wraps, security tear tapes, destructible ‘void’ labels and embossed or debossed patterns.

Covert features are hidden security elements that are
invisible to the naked eye and require specialized tools or
expertise for verification. Examples include microtext, UV/
IR-invisible inks, digital watermarks and microscopic or
DNA-based taggants and forensic markers.

Digital and traceability features connect products to secure databases for authentication and supply chain tracking. Examples include smart QR codes, RFID/NFC tags, unique serial numbers, barcodes or 2D codes used for track-and-trace and recall management.

UV and IR pigments in brand protection

UV and IR pigments enable rapid authentication by brand
owners, inspectors and law enforcement agencies while
helping combat counterfeiting across high-value products.

UV for fast visual verification

UV pigments or UV fluorescent inks are colorless or barely
perceptible (invisible) under normal visible light, but under
ultraviolet illumination they become immediately visible.
Because the effect lasts only while the UV source is present,
these inks are particularly suitable for fast authenticity checks
using handheld UV lamps.

IR for covert, machine-readable security

IR pigments or infrared inks operate differently. Unlike UV inks, IR fluorescent inks can only be detected using an IR camera.

As a result, IR systems in printing are used mainly as covert,
machine-readable security features. At the same time, UV
systems more often provide rapid visual feedback that a
human operator can also check.

IR fluorescent taggants are generally regarded as offering
a higher level of security. Simple UV markings, by contrast,
are now often seen as a baseline protection feature unless
they form part of a more sophisticated multi-color or
multi‑wavelength system.

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Akanksha Meena

Global Brands Editor

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Toppan opens new BOPP film line at Irplast Italy

Akanksha Meena — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 06:42:28 +0000

Toppan Inc, a Toppan Group company and wholly owned subsidiary of Toppan Holdings Inc and its Italy-based film manufacturing subsidiary Irplast have inaugurated a new manufacturing line for high-performance biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films, marking the occasion with a ceremony on September 15, 2026.

In its packaging business, the Toppan Group is accelerating the establishment of its global supply network for recycle-ready mono-material packaging to meet tightening environmental regulations such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and to drive the transition toward a circular economy.

Irplast, a Toppan Group company, is a premium film manufacturer equipped with advanced simultaneous biaxial orientation technology. Its unique expertise in minimizing thermal shrinkage provides BOPP films with exceptional heat resistance, mechanical strength, and superior transparency.

With this line, combined with existing capabilities, the plant can establish an overall supply infrastructure of up to 30,000 tons per year of high-performance BOPP films. This deployment expands the Toppan Group’s production capabilities and enhances manufacturing efficiency, ensuring a stable, local supply to meet the surging demand for sustainable packaging in Europe and beyond.

The films produced on this line offer uniform physical properties and high dimensional stability achieved through the LISIM1 simultaneous stretching process. Leveraging this robustness, Toppan and Irplast will actively develop high-end packaging applications that require durability even under demanding conditions, such as retort sterilization.

Utilizing the film’s superior mechanical strength, development will be focused toward ‘down gauging’ (reducing film thickness). This enables a steady and continuous reduction in plastic consumption while maintaining essential packaging functions, directly supporting resource conservation goals.

The new line is expected to commence full commercial operations by late 2026, supplying high-performance BOPP films to packaging converters and global brand owners.

The combination of Irplast’s BOPP film manufacturing expertise and the Toppan Group’s broad base of technologies and solutions will expand sustainable solutions worldwide by driving use as a next-generation substrate in transparent GL BARRIER2 films as well as unlocking new possibilities for high-performance, sustainable packaging solutions that contribute to a circular economy.

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Toppan opens new BOPP film line at Irplast Italy

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With this line, combined with existing capabilities, the plant can supply up to 30,000 tons per year of high-performance BOPP films.

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With this line, combined with existing capabilities, the plant can supply up to 30,000 tons per year of high-performance BOPP films.

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Flint Group showcases largest-ever presence at Loupe

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

Flint Group has brought 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.

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.'

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3 weeks 2 days ago

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Flint Group showcases largest-ever presence at Loupe

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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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Eshuis and Brotech join forces

Akanksha Meena — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 14:28:49 +0000

Eshuis and Brotech Digital Graphics have formed a strategic collaboration to advance the development and real-world industrial application of next-generation AI-driven flexo production.

The collaboration builds on a long-standing relationship between the two companies, developed through many years of working together and built on mutual trust. Since 2025, Eshuis and Brotech have held deeper discussions about what the next generation of flexo production should look like and how automation, production data and artificial intelligence can help address some of the industry’s most important challenges.

Founded in 1891 in Dalfsen, the Netherlands, Eshuis has evolved from a traditional printing house into one of the leading European label and packaging printing companies specializing in narrow-web printing and converting.

Today, Eshuis produces self-adhesive labels, shrink sleeves and flexible packaging for customers across food, beverage, personal care, chemical and other industries, combining advanced flexo and digital printing technologies with sophisticated finishing processes.

Its long heritage is matched by a strong commitment to technological innovation, production excellence and continuous improvement.

Eshuis operates a highly dynamic manufacturing environment where a wide variety of products, materials, designs and production requirements are processed every day. This combination of industrial experience, production complexity and continuous innovation provides an ideal real-world environment for exploring how AI-driven flexo technologies can move beyond controlled testing and deliver measurable value in everyday manufacturing.

Over the past year, Brotech has continued to develop its FFX AI Flexo platform, combining advanced press automation, production-data acquisition, intelligent process control, AI-assisted parameter optimization and continuous learning.

Following extensive development and testing at Brotech’s facilities, both companies believe the next important step is to bring these technologies deeper into real industrial production.

AI cannot learn everything in a controlled test environment.

Real flexo production involves constantly changing combinations of substrates, inks, plates, anilox rollers, mounting conditions, UV systems, operators, job requirements and production schedules. It is within this complexity that production knowledge is created — and where intelligent systems ultimately need to learn.

The collaboration therefore brings together the complementary strengths of both companies.

Brotech will contribute its FFX technology platform, press automation and control expertise, AI model development, production-data acquisition and processing capabilities, and continuous optimization of the intelligent production system.

Eshuis will contribute its extensive industrial flexo knowledge and real-world manufacturing requirements, including production workflows, materials and processes, operator experience, quality standards, production-job requirements, factory-system integration requirements and industrial validation.

The companies will also explore how intelligent production systems can interact with existing factory infrastructure, including ERP/MES environments, helping connect production planning, press operation, quality control and manufacturing management.

The goal goes beyond making a press more automated. It is to explore how production knowledge can be captured, structured and continuously improved through data — increasing consistency and repeatability, accelerating setup and job changeovers, strengthening quality control and reducing dependency on individual operator experience.

Peter Overbeek, CEO of Eshuis, said: ‘Eshuis has always believed that innovation should ultimately improve the way we produce. Brotech and Eshuis have worked together for many years, and during that time we have built a relationship based on trust and a shared willingness to explore new ideas.

‘The next challenge in flexo is not simply to make presses faster, but to make the entire production process more consistent, intelligent and less dependent on individual experience. By combining our real-world production knowledge with Brotech’s automation, data and AI capabilities, we believe we can explore what the next generation of flexo production can become.’

Ramon Lee, CEO of Brotech Digital Graphics, said: ‘The next generation of flexo will not be defined by the press alone, but by how intelligently the entire production process can learn. We have developed and tested FFX AI extensively, but AI cannot learn everything inside our own factory. The next stage requires real jobs, real materials, real operators and real production conditions.

‘Eshuis brings the industrial knowledge, production discipline and forward-looking mindset that make them an ideal partner for taking this vision into real-world manufacturing.’

The collaboration also addresses a challenge extending far beyond technology.

Across the printing and packaging industry, companies are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain skilled operators and attract a new generation of technical talent.

Eshuis and Brotech believe automation, digitalization and AI can play an important role in changing this.

By capturing production knowledge in systems rather than relying solely on individual experience, future flexo production can become easier to operate, more predictable and more accessible to a new generation of manufacturing professionals.

At the same time, transforming flexo into a more connected, data-driven and intelligent manufacturing environment can help younger people see the industry differently, not simply as traditional printing, but as a modern manufacturing environment bringing together engineering, automation, software, data and artificial intelligence.

The strategic collaboration between Eshuis and Brotech represents a shared ambition to help move flexo manufacturing: from experience-driven to data-driven, from reactive to predictive and from operator-dependent to increasingly intelligent production.

Both companies believe that combining advanced machine technology with real industrial production knowledge is essential to making this transition practical and scalable.

Eshuis and Brotech look forward to taking this next step together and to exploring what the next generation of intelligent flexo production can become.

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3 weeks 2 days ago

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Eshuis and Brotech join forces

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Eshuis’ production expertise and Brotech’s FFX AI technology accelerate the shift from experience-driven to data-driven flexo manufacturing.

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Eshuis’ production expertise and Brotech’s FFX AI technology accelerate the shift from experience-driven to data-driven flexo manufacturing.

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L&L Global Award winners announced

Adyasha Sinha — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 22:01:26 +0000

The winners of the 2026 Labels & Labeling Global Awards have been announced, recognizing achievements in innovation, sustainability, business development and industry leadership.

The awards were presented during a ceremony at Loupe Americas 2026, with winners selected across five categories: Converter of the Year, Innovation, Sustainability, split into two sub-categories for converter and supplier and the newly introduced Future Leader award.

Converter of the Year

Steinhauser was named Converter of the Year ahead of fellow finalists Catapult Print and Hub Labels.

The judges praised the Kentucky-based converter’s ability to adapt across successive generations while also highlighting president Tara Halpin’s leadership, the culture she has developed within the business and the company’s longstanding participation in industry associations.

‘If you look at what the company started as compared with what it is doing today, Steinhauser has reinvented itself around three times across three very different label platforms,’ said Glendenning. ‘It has gone from offset cut-and-stack labels into blow mold, shrink sleeves and pressure-sensitive labels. The story is fantastic.’

Shawn Oetjen, director of operational excellence at Meyers and a member of the FTA executive board, added: ‘It is not just the company; it is the culture Tara has created there. You do not see that very often.’

Catapult Print was recognized for its technology-led production model, and an honorable mention goes to Hub Labels after it impressed the judges for its development and involvement in both TLMI and FTA.

Innovation

AVT received the Innovation award for its Helios varnish inspection module. The technology enables converters to inspect clear varnish during high-speed production, addressing an application that can be difficult for operators and conventional inspection systems to identify reliably.

AVT was selected ahead of Cerm’s Lexis AI assistant and Esko’s CDI Quartz ecosystem.

‘When you are running a press at high speeds, it is difficult to see that varnish,’ said Oetjen. ‘I have experienced reruns because it was missed, so from a converting standpoint, this is impactful.’

Andrew Thomas-Emans, strategic director of Loupe Global and chair of the judging panel, said AVT’s entry addressed a genuine production problem and was already supported by installations in the field.

The judges also praised Cerm for presenting a practical use of artificial intelligence, using its Lexis AI assistant to interpret unstructured customer emails and convert job information into structured data. Esko’s CDI Quartz ecosystem was also recognized for delivering consistent UV LED exposure across the flexographic plate surface.

Sustainability: converter category

Brook + Whittle won the Sustainability award for the converter category for its GreenLabel BlockOut recyclable light-blocking shrink sleeve.

The technology is designed to deliver the light-blocking performance required for sensitive products while supporting the container's recyclability. Judges felt it could have a significant impact by placing necessary practical elements within the label rather than compromising the recycling of the main packaging component.

‘Brook + Whittle’s solution allows the container to remain more recyclable,’ said Glendenning. ‘The container typically represents far more material than the label, so this addresses an important issue within the overall recycling system.’

Oetjen added: ‘If I look at the total impact on packaging, Brook + Whittle’s development has the potential to make a substantially larger contribution to sustainability as a whole.’

Desmedt Labels received special recognition for its integrated sustainability reporting and reduction framework. The judges underlined the converter’s work to embed sustainability measurement throughout its operations and to prepare for growing reporting requirements under European legislation.

Thomas-Emans described Desmedt Labels’ work as ‘a pioneering effort’, adding: ‘The company is getting ahead of the curve and working out how these reporting systems will need to operate.’

Holostik was also shortlisted for Paperogram, its paper-based holographic product.

Sustainability: supplier category

Siegwerk received the sustainability award for the Supplier category for the high-barrier mono-layer polypropylene pouch it developed with Enplater.

The panel said the development addresses one of the central challenges facing flexible packaging, delivering the required barrier and sealing properties without laminating multiple dissimilar materials together.

Siegwerk’s coatings allow those to be incorporated into a mono-material structure, improving its compatibility with recycling systems.

Glendenning said: ‘The challenge with flexible packaging has historically been that functionality is created by laminating different plastics and foils together, rendering the finished structure difficult to recycle. Mono-material structures and coatings are where flexible packaging needs to go.’

The panel also highlighted the technology’s potential relevance to narrow- and mid-web converters entering the flexible packaging market, particularly if functional coatings can be applied in-line and on demand.

Oetjen added: ‘This has the potential to make a massive impact. It is a game changer for the recyclability of flexible packaging.’

Siegwerk was selected ahead of Actega’s ACTExact black algae ink and DuPont Cyrel’s ReNew plate series.

Future Leader

Rachel Jackson, vice president of operations at Columbine Label, received the inaugural Future Leader award.

The judges highlighted Jackson’s contribution to the family-owned converter, as well as her involvement in the wider industry. Jackson co-chairs TLMI’s Membership Committee and has been involved in the association’s Label Leaders of Tomorrow program.

Mark Glendenning, owner and CEO of Inland and chair of TLMI, said: ‘Rachel has high expectations as a future TLMI leader. She has stepped into the co-chair position on our Membership Committee and has done a really nice job. She has been a very active participant in Label Leaders of Tomorrow and is an excellent choice.’

The panel also recognized Jackson as part of the next generation of leadership at Columbine Label, where she works alongside her father, Greg Jackson.

Glendenning added: ‘It is a good story about a second-generation leader in a family-owned business. With so much private equity activity taking place in our industry, it is nice to recognize an independent company.’

Judging panel

The winners were selected by a panel comprising Andrew Thomas-Emans, strategic director of Loupe; Mark Glendenning, president and CEO at Inland; Dana Kilárska, CEO of Purgina and president of Finat; Shawn Oetjen, director of operational excellence at Meyers; and Chelsea McDougall, managing editor of Labels & Labeling.

McDougall said: 'The selection process for this year’s Labels & Labeling Global Awards was especially challenging. We received a high volume of entries that set an exceptionally high bar for innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence across the label and package printing value chain. The winners represent the best of the best in their field, and the recognitions are well deserved.'

Thomas-Emans commented: 'It was a real pleasure to chair this judging panel. As well as representing TLMI, Finat and FTA, Mark, Dana and Sean all brought to bear their extensive real-world experience as label and package print converters, which is invaluable in choosing winning technologies that move the industry forward in the real world.

'The breadth of entries, from breakthrough inspection technologies to recyclable materials and standout converter performance, shows an industry innovating at pace and scale, highlighting a deep commitment to excellence. Many congratulations to all winners and finalists.'

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3 weeks 2 days ago

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L&L Global Award winners announced

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The winners were announced on the opening day of Loupe Americas 2026 on September 15.

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The winners were announced on the opening day of Loupe Americas 2026 on September 15.

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Sun Chemical and Cyngient form narrow web partnership

Will Drysdale — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:14:27 +0000

Sun Chemical and Cyngient have formed a strategic partnership to develop specialty coatings and adhesives for narrow web label and package printing converters.

The companies will formally introduce the partnership at Loupe Americas 2026, held September 15-17 in Rosemont, Illinois.

Central to the collaboration is a co-branded Sun Chemical and Cyngient product line featuring advanced coatings and high-performance adhesives. The portfolio is intended to help converters produce differentiated visual and tactile effects while maintaining on-press performance.

The partnership combines Sun Chemical’s technology portfolio and global research and development resources with Cyngient’s specialty products, technical support and service capabilities.

The companies will also jointly support converters throughout product selection, application development, testing and commercial production.

Dennis Sweet, vice president, NWTL Commercial at Sun Chemical, said: ‘We are pleased to add Cyngient as a trusted supplier and partner to Sun Chemical’s offerings. This partnership will add several specialty products to Sun Chemical’s broad portfolio in the narrow web tag and label segment.’

Andrew Wasserman, managing partner of Cyngient, said: ‘The Sun Chemical and Cyngient platform provides converters with a true one-stop equipment – from color to coating – backed by responsive technical support and fast-turn service.

‘The goal is to make it easier for converters to explore new applications and create something different without making the production process more complicated.’

Sun Chemical will exhibit at booth 326 during Loupe Americas, while Cyngient will be located at booth 1101.

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4 weeks 1 day ago

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Sun Chemical and Cyngient form narrow web partnership

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Sun Chemical and Cyngient will announce a strategic partnership at Loupe Americas.

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Sun Chemical and Cyngient will announce a strategic partnership at Loupe Americas.

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