The PrintCity Alliance is presenting labels with strong haptic and visual effects, almost identical to those of the associated folding carton previously produced. Self-adhesive paper labels for the green El Drago outer packaging for luxury drinks were produced in a first step. They complement the Real Life Samples project and are being shown for the first time at FachPack and LabelExpo.

Consistent look and feel for labels and folding carton

Although the substrates and the production units are so different, the visual and haptic effects of the folding carton are imitated almost identically on the labels.

This consistent look and feel, with the high degree of finishing and strong haptic effects, increases the value of the products. This enables brand owners to achieve higher profit margins, makes for a strong product presence in the customer's mind and increases the incentive to buy a second time.

Cost-efficient production on a Gallus ECS 340

"For us, it's particularly important to show that effects of this kind are possible using a standard machine configuration," says Matthias Marx, Manager Corporate Communications at Gallus. "The key to doing so is to ideally combine the finishings with coatings, pigments and cold foil."

This permits very cost-efficient production without additional investments. The slightly higher costs for finishing pay off for the customer through higher sales and increased customer loyalty.

Strong haptic and visual effects

The effects on the two-colour label were created by the interplay of three coatings, cold film and an effect pigment. For example, the leather-like structure of the folding carton was achieved through a skilful combination of printed image, a soft matt coating with haptic effect applied over the full surface, and a relief lacquer applied to a partial area by screen printing. The optical depth of this structure effect was further intensified by partial application of a colour-change effect pigment under the matt coating.

As with all PrintCity Alliance projects, the experience gained and the special features of this production project are summarised in a detailed Tutorial.

Samples now available

Samples can be ordered through info@printcity.de or directly at the forthcoming exhibitions:

FachPack (Nuremberg): PrintCity Alliance, Hall 7A / Stand 236

LabelExpo (Brussels): Gallus, Hall 5 / Stand B28

The companies involved in label production were: Gallus (inline printing and finishing systems), LEONHARD KURZ (hot and cold foil stamping applications, holograms), Merck (effect pigments), WEILBURGER Graphics (finishing coatings and water-based flexo inks), Flexo-Service Cl. Jaehde (data preparation, flexo plates), Praxair (anilox rollers), Rotometrics (rotary dies), SAUERESSIG (flexo plates, gravure cylinders), Siegwerk (UV inks), UPM Raflatac (substrates)