Coveris invests over 1.5 million GBP to expand linerless capabilities

Coveris has invested over £1.5M in two MPS flexo presses featuring the latest print technologies, coupled with further site infrastructure improvements for its dedicated linerless label facility in Spalding, Lincolnshire, UK.

Already manufacturing over one billion linerless labels each year for the UK and European FMCG sectors, this investment delivers increased output and supports the Lincolnshire-based facility’s growth plans in existing and diversified markets.

Installed in a staggered program, two new MPS presses are capable of printing Coveris’ core linerless formats Slidewrap, c-wrap, envelope, labels for producing punnets and contour-fitted formats for skinpack solutions. The new equipment offers a 10-color flexographic print, including decorative cold foil embellishment. With 100 percent web inspection capabilities, the investment enables improved quality, color management and consistency, resulting in the added benefit of reduced waste.

Further aligned with Coveris’ sustainability ‘No Waste’ strategy, the MPS presses are more energy efficient and feature E-Sleeve technology for enhanced accuracy, improved set-up speeds and reduction in production waste.

Linerless labels are characterized by their non-utilization of carrier backing paper, meaning reel weight is significantly reduced by up to 40 percent compared to self-adhesive alternatives, allowing more labels per reel, less waste and fewer changeovers.

With decorative print embellishment and the option of apertures, Coveris’ premium envelope and Slidewrap linerless formats also provide a reduced-weight alternative to carton board sleeves for brands looking to downgauge their packaging whilst maintaining a luxury point-of-sale appearance. Coveris’ linerless label formats, supported by the use of approved materials to ensure consistent quality and application, are developed for use with equipment by machinery partner Ravenwood Packaging.

Nigel Hewitt, Coveris’ BU paper sales director, commented: ‘The addition of unique wide web capabilities in our world-leading, dedicated linerless labels facility is a significant investment. We aim to stay at the forefront of linerless technologies, innovation and quality alongside a sustainable operational model. With this investment, our customers benefit from improved linerless capacity and the newest print technologies, whilst we are also targeting accelerated growth outside of our core meat, fish, poultry and convenience markets.’