Sustainable Converting Sustainable converting for the future
Kingfisher Labels has made sustainable converting a central part of its labelling practices. Andy Watts, sales director, explores how sustainability and waste management are crucial for every labelling business and how they can make label conversion more eco-friendly.
A
lmost every labelling business will be aware of the importance of sustainability. The growing consumer demand for a greener product, alongside ever-changing regulations, means that it needs to be a vital part of the converting process. Here at Kingfisher Labels, we’ve been utilising flexographic presses and other technologies to create truly eco- conscious labels for years. Here’s how those practices have helped us become a leading supplier in our local market.
ATTRACTING NEW CUSTOMERS There’s a simple but powerful trend emerging within various industries right now, and we’ve experienced it first-hand here at Kingfisher. The younger the customer, the more they care about sustainable labelling solutions. This is particularly true within the Bristol Craft Brewery sector, of which we’re a leading supplier.
Our sustainable, waste minimising conversion techniques have maintained our trademark quality and strengthened our working relationship with these breweries. We meet their standards for sustainability as well as making long-lasting and eye-catching labels. We’ve invested in state-of-the-art machinery that enables us to use tools like die cutters,
foil stamps and unwinding and rewinding technology. Those mean that we can produce labels that are of premium quality in the most cost effective and accurate ways. Innovation and technology are two crucial ways to attract new customers – especially those looking for greener alternatives.
GREAT CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY We sing Edale’s praises at any given opportunity here at Kingfisher – it’s no understatement to say that their machines have been critical to our success. Earlier this year, we invested in our second FL1 Prime Press. Not only does it have the capacity to deliver labels of premium quality, but its various built-in functions mean that half the conversion process is covered in one press. Less waste is generated before the label is printed, making the converting process easier, more time-efficient and more productive. When used alongside our FL3 Flexographic presses, it gives us greater flexibility and accuracy. The ability to only use the amount of reel required for each run is a massive bonus and has seen us reduce our wastage in a big way. It’s also a cheaper option than investing in multiple label presses and separate converters. We’ve found that the more sustainable we make
our processes, the more money we save as a business.
THE IMPORTANCE OF LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS Any business needs to make sustainable converting part of its life cycle analysis plan. Here at Kingfisher, we’re constantly re-evaluating our practices and supply-chain management to make it as environmentally sound as possible. We think long and hard about the lifecycle of every label we produce, in a way that satisfies our pursuit of quality as well as our customers’ needs. By constantly identifying the most effective ways of reducing waste in the conversion process, we’re able to step into line with the constantly evolving industry. The rising necessity for labelling businesses to be as eco-friendly as possible trickles down to all aspects of their processes, and they’ll only be able to compete in the market if they conduct a structured lifecycle analysis.
REDUCING RELEASE LINER WASTE Using both PET and Glassine release liners gives us lots of flexibility here at Kingfisher. Glassine liners are versatile and are the best option for smaller labels. The main advantage of using PET liners is that they’re a more sustainable option. PET liners are much sturdier than their paper counterparts and are less likely to break. Both types of liners are recyclable, can produce great results on many dispensing machines and enable conversion accuracy. PET Liners have been great for us as they allow a faster process, and as customers’ requirements change all the time, that’s vital to keep up with demand.
THE FUTURE OF CONVERTING
Sustainability is the future, and here at Kingfisher Labels we’re very proud to be contributing to that future. As the industry and market constantly shapeshift, bold and innovative ways of being eco-conscious are going to become more important. By getting the basics right and approaching converting sustainably, any labelling business can expect to grow and succeed.
Xwww.kingfisherlabels.co.uk
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December 2022 / January 2023
www.convertermag.com
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