Diversifying into package printing is a key topic at Labelexpo Europe 2013 as details are announced of the show’s new Package Printing Workshop. Taking place in hall 12, the show organizers will be running a specially created workshop in partnership with Xeikon and Nuova GIDUE.  

Returning to Brussels Expo between 24 – 27 September, the workshop will demonstrate the opportunities both digital and conventional printing can bring to folding carton, lid laminate and stand up pouch decoration. This will see Xeikon showcasing the digital printing of carton packaging using a 3500 model, while Nuova GIDUE will have a Combat M3 Digital Flexo press producing flexible packaging.

Xeikon will look at the “most compact Roll2carton solution”, as a part of its folding carton suite. The Xeikon team will be printing a label to be applied to a glass jar and a carton carry pack that holds three jars. The Xeikon 3500 digital press will be equipped with a digital varnish print station applying Xekon’s Durable Clear toner and an in-line die-cutting and stripping unit built by Switzerland’s Bograma. Printed in CMYK in one pass, along with Durable Clear to provide extra protection to the print in a single process, the web will then be sheeted, using a full rotary process with a variable repeat length to reduce waste. It will then be fed into a rotary die-cutting station with magnetic plates, with waste stripped and the printed cartons stacked. 

Nuova GIDUE will be printing a lid laminate for a My Moment honey pot and Hey Pesto stand up pouch. The Nuova GIDUE Combat M3 Digital Flexo press has been upgraded to include the company’s digital flexo technology for a wide range of supported and unsupported substrates. Digital flexo is a system that transforms many of the press set-up and configuration operations from a manual to an automated process, meaning printers no longer need carry out certain pre-press operations and register adjustments.

With no separate entry registration or entry fee, the workshop will provide label printers with valuable technical demonstrations that should help them easily diversify their business into short and medium run package printing. The sessions will each run for 30 minutes and take place at 11.00 and 15.00 on the first three days and at 11.00 on the last day. Sample folders will be available for collection on entry to the show with job description sheets and printed samples of all the sessions' printed products available in hall 12. 

Lisa Milburn, managing director of the Labelexpo Global Series said: “The Package Printing Workshop sessions should be a really beneficial addition for label converters and printers looking to move into package printing. By showcasing the capabilities of both a digital and conventional narrow web press, we hope to demonstrate how straightforward and uncomplicated it can be to service packaging production jobs which, like labels, require short runs, personalization and multiple variations.” 

An early bird discount rate is available until 18 September with entry to the show costing €50. Show visitors can register at http://www.labelexpo-europe.com.