durable labels Archives

All Around the World with S-OneLP

October 8, 2019 By Shellie Terry

S-OneLP’s Renate Jeutter, center, at Labelexpo Europe 2019

Our team has been travelling the world, working trade shows, checking out conventions and, most importantly, talking to the industry to learn more about what converters need to grow their businesses.

S-OneLP’s Andrew Kalina, Sharon Beeman, Dan Halkyard and Nichole Danzig at Pack Expo

All in one week, we had team members in Las Vegas at Pack Expo, where they learned about the latest innovations in flexible packaging; and another team working our booth at Labelexpo Europe in Brussels, discussing advancements in label printing and flexible packaging.

“With these two teams in two parts of the world, we heard the same message impacting both the packaging and labeling markets — and that message is sustainability,” says Ralph Giammarco, S-OneLP VP. “We’ve had fleeting waves of interest in sustainability before, but this time, we’re seeing a real excitement and passion for finally making a substantial change. And the demand for it is coming from all sides — consumers, brands and converters — who all want to make a difference.”

Even last month, at Natural Products East in Baltimore, an event that focuses more on products and less on the packaging, we were told: “No one wants to talk about packaging that goes into a landfill.”

While at Labelexpo Europe, the S-OneLP team featured our Sustainable ByDesign product portfolio with includes full solutions for creating either recyclable or compostable flexible packaging. The product line includes flexible packaging pre-laminated films for surface printing, coatings, fitments like zippers and finishing equipment utilizing eBeam technology to retain the package’s sustainability.

Another big topic for label printers is finding a quick, easy and cost-effective solution for increasing the durability of labels — especially those that need to withstand heat, cold, water, chemicals and extreme friction in transport.

S-OneLP’s Tom Hauenstein, right, discusses HP Pack Ready for Labels at Labelexpo.

HP invited S-OneLP to display information about the HP Pack Ready for Labels solution, which includes an additive, which is mixed with an over-print varnish. After testing and trial runs, the preferred formula is 1 part Michelman DigiGuard 901 OPV Strengthener to 9 parts S-OneLP KustomLP KKLP OPV in gloss or matte.

“Early this year, HP recognized S-OneLP as an HP Indigo Media Solutions Partner, and we’ve continued to grow our partnership,” Giammarco says. “We’re honored to have played a part in HP’s booth discussions for truly viable solutions for today’s label printers.”

Joining us in the HP booth was our partners at VerifyMe, who showcased their security inks and track-and-trace system for product packaging authentication. We also announced an agreement with Cellcoat to bring the T14 13-inch thermal laminator to market.

Where will S-OneLP be next? You can catch us at Printing United Oct. 23-25 in Dallas in booth #6810, where we’ll be discussing flexible packaging and coatings for commercial printers. Don’t miss it!

And if you want to learn more about our Sustainable ByDesign product line and where sustainable packaging is headed next, listen to our podcast, PrimeTime with S-OneLP.

Case Study: Pack Ready for Labels Solution Improves Scuff-Resistance

September 24, 2019 By Shellie Terry

Phenix Label in Olathe, Kan., has been printing labels for tubs of The Curse! Pre-workout supplement for a few years, and chose digital printing for the job. The team at Phenix, who have been in business since 1896, has printed digitally for 10 years using HP Indigo for all of its benefits, including easier printing for shorter runs, multiple SKUs and when they need a quick turnaround for projects like The Curse.

A common problem for label producers arises when, once applied, the labels are exposed to extreme heat, chemicals, water or friction during packing and transport. Phenix’s copacker noticed some scuffing with the finished tubs on the production line. That set Todd Fatino, VP of Innovation at Phenix, on the hunt for a more durable finish to protect the indigo inks.

“We tried several iterations of primers and varnishes and coatings … we saw some minor improvements, but not major,” Fatino says. “We continued to look for ways to improve the product, and I asked Andrew Kalina at S-OneLP if there were any new products that would enhance the label performance.”

That’s when the Phenix team discovered the preferred solution for HP Pack Ready for Labels, which includes Michelman DigiGuard 901 OPV Strengthener mixed with S-OneLP KustomLP 405 Matte OPV.

“The process was very straight forward and worked great for us,” Fatino says. “I think it’s important to note that every day the performance [of the label durability] improved. At 48 hours we saw better resistance than at 24 hours. And at 72 hours, we saw better performance than at 48.”

Fatino says the team also used the Sutherland rub test and tape tests to ensure the quality of the finish.

“The matte varnish with the 901 has improved the durability of the label from scuffing and now meets the customers expectation,” he says. “We now have had two successful production runs.”

To see how easy it is to use Michelman DigiGuard 901 and KustomLP 405, check out the video below.

Labelexpo Europe: Find the Digital Print Materials You Need Now

September 5, 2019 By Shellie Terry

The S-One Labels & Packaging team will be in Labelexpo stand 7E36 to showcase the latest materials and opportunities for digital printing for labels and packaging. Last year was our first exhibit at Labelexpo, and this year is our first time at Labelexpo Europe in Brussels later this month. We’re excited to join the 40th anniversary of Labelexpo Europe, along with 600 exhibitors and attendees from around the world!

In our stand, you’ll learn about:

Sustainable ByDesign: We’ll introduce our sustainable packaging materials, including our product lines, ReTreve™ (recyclable) and ReEarth™ (compostable). We’ll feature recyclable printed pouches and discuss our growing portfolio of recyclable and compostable product lines.
Flexible packaging: Discover the ideal pre-laminate films, overlaminate films and overprint varnishes for digital flexible packaging printing. This line, which features key products for HP Pack Ready, is being built for the European market, as well as the U.S.
We’ll showcase durable labels, which is made up of Michelman DigiGuard 901 OPV Strengthener and S-OneLP KustomLP overprint varnish. These products are exclusively available through S-OneLP, and are considered the preferred solution for HP Pack Ready for Labels to enhance label durability.
Brand protection: We’ll have information about VerifyMe and the HP Indigo approved Rainbow Secure ink and the VeriPas Track and Trace program.
eBeam: As you read this, we are preparing to install our first ever CatPak™ eBeam system in the U.S.! This system includes the eBeam coater and curing unit, unwind/rewind and proprietary features and drive system that can be customized. This ensures ease of operation, reliability and durability for immediate high-output and consistent long-term performance in standard and sustainable flexible packaging eBeam finishing.

Be sure to visit S-OneLP in Labelexpo stand 7E36 to learn about these exiting developments in the label and flexible packaging industry, and how S-OneLP can help you use them to build your business!

About S-One Labels & Packaging: S-One Labels & Packaging is a division of S-One Holdings Corporation, the parent company of LexJet and Brand Management Group. This division provides materials, technical know-how and integrated solutions to print providers who are currently active or expanding into label and flexible packaging digital printing. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Sarasota, Fla., S-One provides innovative product research, development, manufacturing and worldwide distribution to digital imaging, design and print professionals. Visit S-One Labels & Packaging at S-OneLP.com.

Media contact: Shellie Terry, shellie.terry@sone.com, 941-256-7915

Introducing: PrimeTime with S-OneLP Podcast

August 15, 2019 By Shellie Terry

We’re excited to announce that we’ve launched a podcast called PrimeTime with S-OneLP. With this podcast, we’ll interview industry insiders to discuss what’s happening in the world of label and flexible packaging printing and finishing.

In our first episode, we sit down with Tom Hauenstein, global sales director for S-OneLP, to discuss how HP Indigo operators can create durable labels using the HP Pack Ready for Labels solution, which includes Michelman DigiGuard 901 UV OPV Strengthener mixed with S-OneLP KKLP Overprint Varnish.

During our chat with Tom, we discuss:

Options for making labels more durable
How the HP Pack Ready for Labels process works
The products needed to create durable labels
How we conducted tests to determine the durability of the labels
How label printers can market their durable label capabilities

Listen to the PrimeTime with S-OneLP podcast now, and let us know what topics you’re interested in learning about.

Now in EMEA: HP Pack Ready for Labels

April 24, 2019 By Shellie Terry

We’re excited to announce that the HP Pack Ready for Labels solution featuring Michelman DigiGuard 901 OPV Strengthener and KKLP200 Gloss OPV is now available in EMEA. This quick and easy option is a cost-effective way to create durable labels that can stand up to water, heat, cold and chemicals.

Just add one (1) part of DigiGuard 901 to nine (9) parts KKLP200 to provide durable and effective labels for many applications, including:

Cosmetics
Household cleaners
Auto chemicals
Food & beverages
Equipment

These results are easier and less expensive to achieve than laminates when creating labels on HP Indigo 20000, WS6XXX or HP 800 digital presses with inline priming units. Learn more about HP Pack Ready for Labels in the video below.

Also, as a partner with Kustom Koatings, we can now offer our EMEA customers an exciting portfolio of varnishes, including:

KK682: Gloss varnish with water and mechanical resistance
KK684: Extremely durable varnish in matte finish
KK810: Foil stampable and thermal transfer printable gloss
KK812: Foil stampable and thermal transfer printable matte
LED003: Excellent LED UV varnish that doesn’t exhibit yellowing
KKLP200: Gloss varnish designed for HP Pack Ready for Labels
KKLP (coming soon): Benzo-free version of KKLP200
KKLP405 (coming soon): Benzo-free matte varnish for HP Pack Ready for Labels
KK718: Press wash that works with most chemistries and rollers

To learn more or to order these varnishes and the HP Pack Ready for Labels solution in the European market, email labelsandpackaging@sone.com or call +49 173 6531949 or +31 437999719.

Ideas, Innovation & Inspiration Bloom at Dscoop Edge Orlando

April 5, 2019 By Shellie Terry

Dscoop Edge Orlando proved to be another week of bringing together the top creative and innovative minds in our industry. During the event, we were encouraged to think openly, meet new professionals and continue to envision the dynamic future for everyone who makes up and supports the HP Indigo market.

Carl Joachim of ePac presents at Karlville’s pre-Dscoop open house.

The week started for us in Miami with a visit to Karlville to learn more about HP Pack Ready converting and finishing. We also encountered the growing excitement for HP Indigo in Latin American counties. We learned about the market drivers and the state of the flex-pack space thanks to a presentation by HP and Karlville partner, ePac.

“The sharing of knowledge, like that from ePac CMO Carl Joachim, was truly invaluable,” says Ralph Giammarco, S-OneLP VP, “You just don’t see people in other industries sharing information like this. Plus, this open house showcased HP’s strength in how they work with their partners, such as Toray, Charter NEX, Nobelus and S-OneLP, who were all represented.”

Once in Orlando, it was a whirlwind of activity and inspiration throughout the Solutions Showcase. In the S-OneLP booth, we had conversations on this year’s hot topics: Sustainable solutions, brand protection and HP Pack Ready for Labels.

A Finish for Everyone

For flexible packaging pouches, we provided samples of white and metallic pre-laminated flower seed pouches, which were printed at CL&D Digital and finished with a gloss OPV from Michelman. We also had clear pre-lam film that was printed at ePac in Miami and made into stand-up bird seed pouches and finished with thermal lamination at Karlville. Finally, we had NatureFlex pouches with compostable layers of film from our partners at Futamura, which were finished with eBeam technology. (Plus we continued our launch of the CatPak eBeam Finishing System with Tim Burke from CDA.)

We highlighted the durability of the HP Pack Ready for Labels solution, which included labels printed by Consolidated Labels, and finished with a mixture of Michelman DigiGuard 901 OPV Strengthener and KustomLP Gloss OPV. This combination provided super durable labels that were tested to stand up to water, chemicals and more.

“What we heard at Dscoop is that people are looking for a solution for scratch resistance when printing to metallized BOPP,” says Tom Hauenstein, S-OneLP global sales leader. “DigiGuard 901 with our KustomLP UV overprint varnish delivered rock solid results for scratch resistance as well as the best results we’ve seen for ink adhesion and chemical and water resistance, too.

“We also learned that printers turn to digital to create durable labels so they don’t have to produce short-run jobs on flexo. The HP Pack Ready for Labels option provides the easy, cost-effective answer.”

Talking Security

S-OneLP’s Nichole Danzig demonstrates VeriPas to the HP team.

We also demonstrated VerifyMe’s newest VeriPAS authenticator device along with its track-and-trace software that allow brands to use both overt and covert codes, serial numbers or graphics to protect and authenticate their products anywhere in the world. This proved to be a hot topic throughout the conference.

“We can’t emphasize enough how important it is for our customers to be prepared to talk about product protection with their brand customers,” Giammarco says. “I encourage them to check out HP Link, GlobalPas, VerifyMe and others who are providing truly viable options in the digital printing space. Every day we hear about how brands will need to validate and authenticate their products in the market. Label and flex-pack printers and converters are in the perfect position to deliver easy, cost-effective ways to do just that.”

Sustainable … by Design

With major CPGs committing to using all sustainable packaging by 2025, the supply chain in the digital printing space jumped into action to begin designing solutions that are eco-friendly.

“It’s not enough to simply say: This pouch contains compostable layers,” Giammarco says. “We need to start with the application — what’s going in the pouch, what kind of finishing does it need, how will it be composted … or recycled? Once these questions are answered, we can move forward to design a sustainable pouch for that particular application. Customizing both the pouch itself and what’s printed on it are the two key aspects of driving this forward. Again — the digital space is primed to tackle this and support brands of all sizes.”

It was another awesome week at Dscoop, and we look forward to seeing everyone in Orlando next year!

We Put DigiGuard 901 + KustomLP OPV to the Test

March 22, 2019 By Shellie Terry

Last fall we helped HP introduce HP Pack Ready for Labels, a fast and easy solution for creating very durable labels that can stand up to all sorts of conditions. By simply adding the Michelman DigiGuard 901 OPV Strengthener additive to a silicone-free OPV, such as KustomLP 200 Gloss or 405 Matte, you can achieve high-resistance labels that open up new market opportunities for HP Indigo printers.

In January, we printed a new batch of labels to test using the Sutherland Rub Test and tape tests that are industry-standard tests for durability. We digitally printed standard white, clear and metallized BOPP labels on an HP Indigo 6800 Press. Then, we mixed batches of DigiGuard 901 with our KKLP 200 Gloss and KKLP 405 Matte Overprint Varnish in a radio of 9 parts OPV and 1 part 901, as instructed by the HP Pack Ready for Labels process.

After a couple of days, we immersed the labels in hot water and chemicals for tests ranging from 2 to 8 hours, and then applied the Sutherland Rub Tester for 1,000 rubs with 2 pounds of pressure, at 21 cycles a minute. After these vigorous tests, we saw no visible change to the labels.

Check out the video above to see how we did it! Plus, if you’re at Dscoop Edge in Orlando, we’ll have HP Pack Ready for Labels samples in booth #305, or visit our Contact Us page to request a sample. See you in Orlando!

Our First Labelexpo Americas Was Hot & Spicy!

October 8, 2018 By Shellie Terry

Labelexpo Americas 2018 did not disappoint for the S-OneLP team! During the late-September three-day show in Chicago, we met many industry leaders, movers and shakers. Plus, we had the opportunity to showcase many of our products and services to the thousands of enthusiastic attendees who visited our booth.

Labelexpo Recap: Our Showcase Brands

Our booth’s “Marketplace” theme was created to showcase four real companies who partnered with us to discover how re-imagined packaging could elevate their products and boost their brand image. We displayed packaging for Boyland Sauce Co. Wake ‘n’ Bake Chipotle Hot Sauce, Amy’s Candy Bar Turtles, Savory Spice Onion Dip Mix and Boardwalk Craft Beer Pretzels in our booth.

Our goal in featuring these brands was to show label and packaging printers how they, too, can find local, artisan brands and help them upgrade their packaging so that it will pop off the shelves and stand out in the crowd. We started with Boyland Wake ‘n’ Bake. When brand owner Rob Boyland found himself in a pinch, he ended up using his home computer to print bottle labels, which had a craft-paper type look to them.

Boyland let us re-imagine his label design, and our graphic designer took it to the next level with a new label featuring Boyland’s iconic look. We loved having him in the booth to hand out samples and share his experience. He and S-OneLP product specialist Kara Work talked to Label & Narrow Web magazine in this video.

The new labels not only featured a new look, but we had them finished in three ways to show how one brand can take on different looks, including a spot Grit varnish on a matte laminate, a Glitter spot varnish on a gloss laminate and a flood of Soft Touch varnish for an all-over smooth finish. All of these varnishes are available at S-OneLP and can be customized for any job. (Special thanks to Consolidated Label in Sanford, Fla., for this awesome print and varnishing job!)

We also reworked packaging for Amy’s Candy Bar and Savory Spice to show how flexible packaging can take the place of simple packaging that the brands were finishing with labels. We redesigned their looks, and had them printed on pre-laminated flexible packaging films in metallic and white for optimal results.

CL&D Graphics’ Digital Division in Hartland, Wis., used an HP Indigo 6800 to create these impressive new packages. They also helped us with a new print job for Boardwalk Foods’ Craft Beer Pretzels, using a customizable film that was reverse printed for the specialty brand. All of these flex-pack films are available at S-OneLP, as well.

Pack Ready for Labels: The Solution for Durable Labels

October 5, 2018 By Shellie Terry

If you’re looking to produce labels durable enough to pass heat, chemical and water-resistance testing, S-OneLP is now offering Michelman DigiGuard 901 OPV Strengthener as part of HP’s Pack Ready for Labels solution.

Creating pressure-sensitive durable labels for cosmetics, household cleaners, auto chemicals, food, beverages and more, is now easy to achieve if you operate the HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press, HP Indigo WS6000 Series Digital Presses, and the HP Indigo 8000 Digital Press with inline priming units.

The new DigiGuard 901 OPV Strengthener is a simple and cost-effective mix-in additive that can open HP Indigo digital print service providers to new markets using the equipment you already own.

In the video above, HP introduces a solution that will increase the durability and resistance of labels using the new DigiGuard 901 OPV Strengthener, which is mixed with a standard varnish. After printing labels on an HP Indigo press, we chose a KustomLP gloss varnish, available exclusively at S-OneLP, which produced exceptionally durable results, according HP Solutions Architects during the testing process.

To learn more about creating durable labels, and the best products for the job, give us a call at 941-256-7900, email us at labelsandpackaging@sone.com or visit our Contact page.