According to a report from MarketsAndMarkets (marketsandmarkets.com), the global packaging printing market is projected to grow from $120.02 billion in 2016 to $192.75 billion by 2026, at a CAGR 4.9%. The market is driven by factors such as strong growth in the demand from the food and pharmaceuticals sectors, as well as the popularity of convenient packaging. The food & beverages segment is estimated to be the fastest-growing during the forecast period due to increasing demand for product differentiation, in addition to labeling needs for authentication purposes.

Advancements within the printing, coding and labeling industry are in direct response to this market growth, as well as customer demand for faster, more efficient and easier to use technologies. To make laser coding simpler and more accessible, Linx Printing Technologies (linxglobal.com) launched two laser coders with easier and faster installation and set-up than previous models. These coders also boast faster printing speeds and greater versatility, making the coders ideal for a wider variety of products.

The Linx CSL10 (10 watt) and CSL30 (30 watt) laser coders feature a new, more powerful processing board that is able to relay the message from the control unit to the marking head more quickly, delivering higher speeds. The coder can handle complex messages and graphics without any loss of quality, specifically ideal for the requirements of high speed packing and bottling lines. Both models apply crisp codes onto many different packaging materials including coated paper and card, plastic, glass, rubber, coated metal and anodized aluminum.

“With our new laser models, we are delivering a significant improvement in performance while also widening the appeal of the technology to companies who might previously have considered it too complex,” explains Matt Eastham, laser business manager, Linx Printing Technologies.

For high-definition printing, one company is launching a new approach that delivers consistent quality at a low cost that matches the flexographic turnaround time companies are accustomed to. The GravureTECH, from Excelsior Technologies (exceltechuk.com), combines the high-definition print benefits of excellent accuracy, precise color matching and photographic representation, with time and cost savings.

“Over many years, the gravure printing process has fallen out of favor with many brand owners as it was associated only with long print runs, long lead times and high costs. But at Excelsior, GravureTECH embraces the challenge of supplying brands with the best quality consistent print at low cost and matches the flexo turnaround time on new designs. This is due to the faster change-over times on modern presses but also our integrated supply chain and pre-press,” says Julie Eller, Excelsior Technologies sales director.

“Our advanced pre-press origination department enhances the creative process, working with designers to precisely match their requirements while amortizing costs to offer cylinder engraving at flexographic prices. Add to that the fact that we engrave cylinders locally and can offer superior print and patterned lacquers, plus superior coatings for sealing, such as cold-seal – as gravure can put down heavier weights – then GravureTECH becomes the obvious choice for high quality flexible packaging,” continues Eller.

To assist in achieving better printer performance, Videojet Technologies (videojet.com) announces that its Videojet Remote Service is now available across the Videojet family of marking, coding and variable data printing technologies. This intelligent solution measures, tracks and provides recommendations for printer optimization. With this service, customers are able to improve printer performance by empowering quicker production line recovery with remote access capabilities, automated notifications and dashboard analytics.

“With Remote Service now spanning all major product lines, manufacturers can work smarter and take a more flexible approach to printer management, from the front of their lines with continuous inkjet printing, lasers, thermal inkjet and thermal transfer overprinting, to the back of their lines with case coding,” says Aysar Ziyadeh, business unit director, global service for Videojet.

According to Videojet, the company is using the data collected from its Remote Service technology to identify improvements. More than 1,000 Videojet printers are connected in the field, allowing the company to consolidate analytics and act on continuous improvement opportunities for both customers operationally and with the printers themselves. The service also includes predictive capabilities to avoid downtime events altogether.

Recently debuted last month at PACK EXPO East, and available on short delivery time, HERMA US Inc.’s (herma.us, a subsidiary of HERMA GmbH), 152E Wraparound Labeler is ideal for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

The labeler features the same heavy-duty label applicator platform as Herma’s premium “M” (Master) series, allowing for simple installation of printers and vision systems. The module can handle substrate diameters from ½” to 4” at speeds of up to 150 products per minute.

The 152E Wraparound Labeler is cost-effective and easy to install. The machine is built around the H400 Label Applicator, Herma’s signature servo-driven labeling unit capable of achieving speeds of over 500 feet/minute. The H400 can be integrated into any production line or be built into a labeling machine specifically developed to suit individual requirements. It can be fitted with either an Allen-Bradley or Siemens PLC controller.

Customization, easy installation, fast speeds and reduced downtime are all key buzzwords surrounding the printing, labeling and coding markets. Today’s machines are working overtime to deliver to customers the most coveted of benefits: time and cost savings.