Thought for food
October 1st 2007

The food industry carries a weight of responsibility for reducing its impact on the environment. Packaging and labelling specialist, Advanced Dynamics, claims its linerless labels tread significantly lighter on the planet and deliver substantial cost savings

The key challenges the food industry face today are retaining a competitive advantage and maintaining consumer appeal and loyalty, simultaneously honouring its ethical obligations to the planet. With these commitments in mind Advanced Dynamics is set to distribute a 'linerless' labelling system which reduces the environmental impact by dispensing with the paper backing – hitherto fundamental in the production of labels, now happily made redundant.

The development reduces weight and waste, and has the advantage of allowing more labelling to be transported at less cost. Developed by the Italian labelling technology firm Irplast, the system has already been keenly adopted by different European packaged food marketers.

The formula incorporates bio-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) coated with a solventfree adhesive which provides grip but will not stick on contact with itself.

Planet and cost savings The arrival of the linerless label heralds clear environmental benefits which also translate into a significant cost saving in the production process of up to 30 per cent on traditional labels. With more than 50 per cent reduction in the need for label changeover, the machines can effectively double-up on labelling output between replenishment. There is also an aesthetic pay off to the linerless labelling alternative as removing the risk of paper flecks and adhesive smearing gives the label a pristine, untarnished finish.

Furthermore the method of reverse printing results in a totally protected graphic (scratch-proof), high definition appearance which is more appealing than its paper-backed forerunner. This new standard in label production has important implications for supporting brand integrity and will improve consumers' perception of the product – the initial shelf appeal being a pivotal moment in consumers' response.

The implications for food retailers are also important: The Producer Responsibility Regulations incorporated the EU Packaging Waste Directive into UK law in March 1997.

This legislation advances the concept of 'polluter pays' with the retailer, as the final member in the supply chain, bearing the greater burden at 47 per cent of waste recovery targets.

The requirements will clearly exercise the creativity of the food industry to find new ways to lighten the load at every opportunity.

Different multinational organisations have already adopted specific programs, appointing 'Sustainable Packaging Managers'.

Patented label solutions All labels are dispensed using an end of line compact labelling machine which can be employed on almost any packaging line.

The system supports a variety of applications including primary labelling, multi-pack labelling and re-seal features which reduce food wastage by maintaining freshness in food products such as coffee, pasta, rice, biscuits and dried fruit.

To meet such challenges Advanced Dynamics are introducing three specific patented solutions. These comprise 'Take Away' – a linerless labelling concept which is formulated to hold multi-sales and is compliant with all international regulations for reducing packaging impact. The method supports the marketing technique of bringing sales forward as buyers commit to higher volume. When compared with traditional solutions, such as shrink wrap and cardboard cases, the quantity of packaging needed to achieve the same performance is greatly reduced and is significantly cheaper on a cost per unit basis. Furthermore, the waterbased adhesive formula will not compromise the primary packaging when the label is removed. As it is available in a range of formats Take Away can be used on a wide variety of packaging products including plastic bottles (PET and PE) as well as multilayer laminates, rigid and flexible packaging, boxes and cases.

Traditional bottle shapes can be grouped up to three, and square shaped drinks cartons/bottles can be grouped up to six. The Take Away concept also facilitates product traceability as barcodes and indicators can be printed. Biodegradable and degradable Take Away solutions are under development.

Complementary 'Label Tape' – a reel-fed, linerless wraparound formula for primary labelling, which has the advantage of partial or complete adhesive coating for ease of tear off. It is innovative, as the gluing system is not required on the labeller, and a cost efficient alternative to traditional self adhesive labels.

Label Tape can also be shrinkable (MD direction) and is a valid alternative to sleeves as saving can reach the range of 30 per cent on unit basis. It can be customised as the options are: transparent (no label look), metalised or white.

Label Plastic – refers to reel-fed wraparound OPP labels and PVC and PET shrink sleeves (tubular reel fed). This lends itself to use in a wide range of products which include mineral waters, soft drinks, milk and dairy, beer, food and detergents.

Reel fed OPP wraparound labels are cost efficient (due to the material's light weight) and very high performing.

The special advantage of shrink sleeves is that they are adaptable to the product shape. The reverse printing offers protection from scratching – safeguarding the finished product's appearance. A further marketing advantage is that a wider product area can be used to hold print. Sleeves can accommodate tamper-proof closures which provide the reassurance of security for consumers who are particularly concerned about the risk of food contamination.