Labelling Solutions Hibiscus springs forward with flexo
Based in Leeds, Hibiscus has more than four decades of experience to call upon and is well-versed in the market for and regulations around such labels.
Andy presses example how the company’s equipment portfolio has been specified and installed to allow it to meet the exacting specifications of jobs coming through the door, from one-colour jobs up to increasingly complex labels.
his level of experience and recognition has allowed Hibiscus to establish itself as a provider of labels that are tactile, durable and compliant with the latest regulations, such as the United Nations’ Globally Harmonised System (GHS) and the EU’s Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation. Also, BS5609, which is particularly relevant for chemical manufacturers who transport dangerous goods by sea. BS5609 helps to ensure that the label on any drum washed overboard will still be stuck to the container and be legible, after three months in seawater. The level of durability needed to be compliant has made this British Standard a de facto benchmark of quality.
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Another reason for the company to be so spry in its role as a supplier of labels for chemicals and hazardous goods is forecasted market growth. The GHS label market alone is expected to register a CAGR of 3.4 percent over the period from 2024 to 2034, according to recent statistics published by Future Market Insights. Valued at around $1.7 billion in 2024, the market’s value is forecast to be in excess of $2.3 billion by 2034.
Operating a fleet of flexo equipment that it uses to print and convert labels and tags for its diverse and demanding customer base, Hibiscus offers a next-day delivery service while extensive stockholding allows customers to call off orders as and when labels are required.
The company’s press portfolio includes two Mark Andy 2200s, a five-colour model with a 10in web with and a 13in-wide, 10-colour version, and an A B Graphic Digicon Series 3 configured for two-colour flexo print, as well as die-cutting and laminating. The wider of the Mark Andy 2200 presses features BST inspection technology and is configured with a sheeting unit, enabling printed and blank labels to be produced roll-to-sheet.
Inter-deck curing, powered by GEW UV units, and lamination capabilities on the two Mark
Jonathan Filin, head of operations at Hibiscus, comments, “the type of work we are being tasked with producing is becoming increasingly complex and requiring even closer control of the production process to ensure consistency and quality. Having established a strong reputation in the market due to our ability to provide high-quality labels, we cannot rest on our laurels, nor are we.” An example of this is a newly installed MA Print Products (MAPP) VPM200 HD Plate Mounter. This is semi-automatic plate mounting system that uses high-defi nition cameras and a HD fl at-screen monitor installed on an adjustable mounting table to ensure precise positioning of plates. Print cylinders are held securely by an air-powered mandrel during mounting, while an integrated tape holder allows seamless application of mounting tapes. The VPM, Video Plate Mounter, series is engineered to allow flexo printers to achieve accurate plate mounting in the fastest time. This is already being experienced by Hibiscus, with its previous process having been replaced and upgraded with a system that is allowing it to get plates and cylinders ready more precisely and quicker than ever before. “With the profile of work we produce, having this capability is a massive benefit to our entire production process,” said Jonathan. “When producing multi-colour work, knowing plates are perfectly aligned and placed with absolute precision on the cylinders gives us peace of mind that the printed work coming off the end of our presses will be to the quality we aspire to and that our customers have come to expect.”
Andy Clarke, operations director in Europe for Mark Andy, says, “the partnership and trust of a company such as Hibiscus over many years is testament to the work that we do to provide the market with the absolute best tools to get the job done and done well. With Hibiscus now reaping the benefits of this, we look forward to continuing to support the company’s growth.”
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Dec 2024 / Jan 2025
www.convertermag.com
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