Sherwood develops laser-responsive packaging ink
'virtual label' for packaging materials such as cartons, cases and
overwraps that removes the need for the application of
variable-data print-and-apply labels in the distribution chain.
The company claims that this radical new system has the potential to add significant value for packaging suppliers and printers through the achievement of product differentiation and, at the same time, considerable cost reduction.
DataLase is a non-toxic and environmentally friendly ink, coating or additive that produces a positive, image when marked by a low power CO2 laser. The ink, coating or additive undergoes a simple chemical colour change and creates an image that is stable and has high contrast.
The laser is generally installed on the packing/filling line for variable information applications such as date and bar coding.
In addition to reducing cost and increasing brand awareness, the technology is also being marketed as a means of achieving brand protection. Major private label manufacturers are most directly in the firing line of this drive towards increasing the security of products.
Sherwood claims that its low cost, high quality 'Virtual Label' is simple to integrate into the base material or printing process. DataLase is incorporated into, or coated onto the substrate during its manufacture.
Alternatively, the converter can introduce DataLase by either a patch printing or flood coating process, DataLase being compatible with the majority of printing and coating processes. The resulting laser responsive surface becomes an integral part of the packaging, and unlike conventional labels will not peel or fall off. Low power CO2 lasers rapidly produce images such as barcodes, logos and graphics directly onto the pre-treated surface.
The company claims that since the launch of the DataLase virtual labelling system, packaging professionals in the food and beverage sector have been quick to recognise the potential benefits to their businesses. Traditional labelling technologies rely on high maintenance thermal transfer or ink jet printers to produce variable print and apply data labels which have high consumable costs, such as labels and ink or ribbons.
Many of these brand manufacturers already use low level laser marking for date coding, and are now expressing great interest in running production trials with virtual labelling. Sherwood says that it has forged strong links with all of the major laser vendors and has embarked on a programme of licensing its technology in this field.
"We are already seeing a great interest in the potential use of DataLase for a variety of applications such as date coding, graphics printing and even brand protection," said Andrew Jackson, applications marketing manager, www.sherwoodtech.com Sherwood Technology.
"Our virtual label concept can benefit both the end user, who can eliminate labelling from his production processes, and also to the convertor with a potential new income stream. Our goal is to find printers and packaging suppliers who are prepared to work with us to integrate this technology into their conversion processes and offer virtual labelling to the end user."
