'World-first' high-tech printer set to make its mark

Compared with traditional ink printing, Laserprint is said to deliver quicker turnaround on jobs facilitating faster response times, additional flexibility in the delivery of promotional messages, and lower production costs.

The process uses the latest laser technology to burn logos or promotional messages into the top surface of packaging films. Logos can either be repeated as a continuous design or positioned at a spacing specified by customers.

Quicker turnaround​

A spokesman told FoodProductionDaily.com: “It is believed Laserprint is a world first in burning logos or promotional messages on food product films rather than printing them in ink - this allows for quicker turnaround on jobs and lower costs​.”

Printing by laser avoids the need for high printing plate costs, said the company. But no information was available on the speed with which the Laserprinter can complete tasks or with at what cost saving compared with ink printing.

Food applications of the printing technology include films used in ready and frozen meals, Elastitags, films, bags and plastic crates for fruit and vegetables. Other printing applications include a full range of packaging for the wholesale sundries sector including Cellopak and paper rolls, flower buckets and bio-based packaging including palm pulp trays and corn-starch based films.

Laserprinting can handle both short-run, smaller production quantities alongside long-run larger production quantities, said the company.

The printing technology is claimed to preserve the integrity of the packaging and does not affect the shelf life of their contents.

It is also claimed to be more environmentally-friendly than conventional printing with inks.

Brand promotion​

Commenting on the new printer, Richard Selby, the company’s general manager said: “Laserprint offers an eye-catching way to ensure brand promotion continues all the way from the supermarket shelf to when the product is cooked and ready to be served. This product, we believe, is a world-first which can be easily adapted to suit particular needs.”​

Der Windt UK is part of the Van Der Windt Group which has extensive facilities in the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Ireland.

The Van Der Windt Group is owned by the Clondalkin Group which produces packaging for a range of markets encompassing beverages and food, including confectionery and bakery, dairy and a range of other non food sectors.