Anilox is a method used to provide the correct amount of ink to flexo printing plates. The evolution of this technology, and flexo printing in general, has allowed those in the printing industry to move from lower-quality printing to printing high definition images. The industry has moved away from the gravure over the past decade to a 10-or-more color flexographic process. Because new packaging requires high quality images, HD flexo printing has not only become the industry norm, but the expectation.

Image from: http://www.labelsandlabeling.com/news/features/the-evolution-of-anilox-technology-for-hd-printing

And as with any new technologies, there is always an adjustment period. As Labels and Labeling points out, “… moving printers from 100lpi to 150lpi or even 200lpi, doesn’t mean the quality will be better, it could actually cause more problems. Do printers today really understand the benefits and challenges that this superior plate and higher plate screen technology gives them?”

At Whitlam, we do understand these benefits and challenges and are quick to adopt new technologies.

Another benefit of using HD flexo printing is that it makes hard-to-print designs and colors much easier to utilize. For example, prior to new anilox technology, it was most difficult to print flesh tones, but now with the ability to print finer dots, that’s no longer an issue. And what’s even better is the fact that flexographic printing allows you to print on nearly any surface. This diverse range of substrates combined with HD printing doesn’t just make your product’s labeling better, but helps your company be more successful. By offering your product the ability to print in higher quality, you’ll be able to create labels that not only attract new customers, but keep the ones you already have.

Flexographic printing is also a very cost-effective way to have your company’s printing needs met. One of the reasons it’s so cost-effective is that many flexo printers, while using a lot of ink, are able to recycle most of the unused ink and wash waters. So if you’re interested in investing in a relatively low-cost way to improve the overall look and feel of your product, contact Whitlam Label today!

Recently, Labels and Labeling published an article about the latest developments in ink technology which includes the use of renewable resources in creating inks. Whitlam Label Company is no stranger to green initiatives. In February, we partnered with Ecology Coatings to help develop sustainable packaging initiatives. But we also employ the latest ink technologies.

Some of the newest developments in ink creation are low-migration inks. The Flint Group is spearheading this with the launch of is Flexocure Ancora UV flexo line of inks. Not only are these inks scratch resistant on synthetic substrates, the company also said they provide improved adhesion. But, the Flint Group didn’t stop there. It also announced that its BioCure UV flexo inks are going to be available worldwide. The composition of these inks includes 10 percent linseed oil acrylic, which is a renewable alternative to traditional resin.

Ink manufacturer Siegwerk is taking the issue of sustainability head on by launching the Sicura ECO, another form of UV flexo inks, which are made with 50 percent renewable raw materials. Creating a more sustainable industry will not only help keep us and the rest of the label and ink manufacturers ahead of the game, but will also allow us to do more with the resources we have. That’s one of the reasons we partnered with Ecology Coatings. With this collaboration, we will be able to create more sustainable packaging solutions. Add in the use of sustainable inks and printing methods and we have a recipe for a product that is better in the long run.

Another step Siegwerk is taking to increase sustainability is by introducing its Fast Match color management system. This system will automatically calculate the amount of ink required for a specific project and provide “formulas to create the necessary color from leftover ink.” The using of leftover ink is one of the most efficient ways to improve sustainability practices. It’s also one of the best ways to save money in the printing business, which is why flexographic printing has become more popular over the years.

Many flexographic printing strategies give you the option to recycle ink and other printing materials to increase efficiency and is one of Whitlam’s specialties. Another reason for its rise in popularity is because of its versatility. Flexographic printing gives manufacturers the ability to print on a variety of substrates, making each project more customizable.

If you have questions about how Whitlam Label Company can use this type of technology for your printing and packaging needs, contact us today!

The US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Transportation unveiled the new labels in March, which were mandated by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration press release, the new labels include:

• New ways to compare energy use and cost between new-technology cars that use electricity and conventional cars that are gasoline-powered.
• Useful estimates on how much consumers will save or spend on fuel over the next five years compared to the average new vehicle.
• Easy-to-read ratings of how a model compares to all others for smog emissions and emissions of pollution that contribute to climate change.
• An estimate of how much fuel or electricity it takes to drive 100 miles.
• Information on the driving range and charging time of an electric vehicle.
• A QR Code® that will allow users of smartphones to access online information about how various models compare on fuel economy and other environmental and energy factors. This tool will also allow consumers to enter information about their typical commutes and driving behavior in order to get a more precise estimate of fuel costs and savings.

The new labels are designed to help consumers save money at the pump by providing them with access to information about each car’s fuel efficiency.

US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said “the new fuel economy and environmental labels are a win for automobile consumers and for the nation’s energy independence. These labels will provide consumers with up front information about a vehicle’s fuel costs and savings so that they can make informed decisions when purchasing a new car.”

The EPA and USDOT have created a new generation of labels for a new generation of vehicles and consumers, said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. She added, “Today’s car buyers want the best possible information about which cars on the lot offer the greatest fuel economy and the best environmental performance. The new labels provide comprehensive information to American car buyers, helping them make a choice that will save money at the gas pump and prevent pollution in the air we breathe.”

Whitlam Label Company not only takes pride in green initiatives like the new fuel economy standards laid out by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, but in our own industry as well. We believe that these labels are not only good for consumers, but the auto industry as a whole.

And if there’s anything we can learn from this surge of Tide detergent theft, it’s that the importance of security labels cannot be understated. In previous posts, we’ve discussed how these types of labels can be used to prevent counterfeiting and how they can protect your brand, but it’s worth mentioning again.

As it stands now, Tide detergent is selling for between $5 and $10 per bottle on the black market, well under the retail price. An article in The Daily points out the reason for this laundry soap thievery: “it’s a staple in households across socioeconomic classes.” Essentially, everybody needs it. And because of that, it’s become a hot commodity. But is there a solution to this problem?

In short, no. But labels like Whitlam’s security labels can offer more brand and product protection and help put a dent in the rate of Tide theft. One of the benefits of security labels is the ability to keep track of your products with tracking software. And the best part of this technology is that it’s easy and effective. In order to track your products, all you would have to do is scan a security barcode label when a product is shipped and then delivered. Not only would this help with general inventory upkeep, but you could glean useful information about where your product is at all times.

This is the nut of Tide’s problem. Somerset Police Department Detective Larry Patterson told The Daily, ”There’s no serial numbers and it’s impossible to track.”

But if Tide were to have security labels printed onto individual products, or even specific pallets, it would have the wherewithal to keep better stock of its inventory. And while security labels alone won’t solve the problem, it would help prevent the theft of Tide if potential thieves knew the product could be tracked.

If you’d like to know how security labels can help increase the protection of your company’s product, don’t hesitate to contact Whitlam today!

Perhaps the most important thing to know is the difference between the two. The main thing that separates them is the fact that thermal transfer printing uses a ribbon, whereas direct thermal printing does not. The former is one of the best ways to create barcode labels because it’s able to produce accurate and precise images with clearly-defined lines and edges. These high-quality images are crucial when it comes to barcodes because the clearer the code is, the easier it is for a scanner to read. But barcodes aren’t the only purpose of thermal transfer printing. It can also be used to create durable, long-lasting certification labels, wristbands and asset tags.

This kind of printing can also be performed on a wide variety of substrates like paper, polyester and other polypropylene surfaces. The diverse options available make this an invaluable form of label creation.  Thermal transfer printing uses a heated ribbon to transfer an image to the substrate. The labels created this way are often designed to last for a long period of time, as well as withstand harsh environmental conditions like extreme temperatures, chemicals, ultraviolet exposure and other circumstances.

Direct thermal printing, unlike thermal transfer printing, does not require the use of a ribbon to apply an image to its substrate. In fact, direct thermal printing requires no ink or toner. This form of label making uses chemically treated, heat-sensitive substrates that blacken after passing under the thermal printhead. And because of the lack of ribbon, toner or ink, this is a very cost-effective way to print your company’s labels. But this also leads to less longevity than thermal transfer printing. While the images can last a while, they don’t possess the lifespan of the latter.

This form of printing is often used to create barcode labels as well, but for different purposes. Instead of printing long-lasting harsh environment labels, direct thermal printing is often used for coupons, event and parking tickets, name tags, shipping labels and receipts, as well as a multitude of other functions.

If you have questions about how your company, brand or product could benefit from thermal printing, contact Whitlam Label today! We’d love to sit down and discuss potential labeling solutions.

The meeting, which began Monday, March 5, was designed to give TLMI members insight on better leadership techniques and how those techniques will not only benefit them, but their companies as well. The first presentation given was by Alan Beaulieu, a senior analyst, economist and principal with the Institute for Trend Research. Beaulieu said that while the economy is predicted to slow down a bit in 2014, people should not worry in the short term.

“The employment trend is rising at a normal pace, it’s a good trend, a healthy trend. There is an 82.5 percent chance the stock market will rise 6.5 percent in 2012,” he said. Beaulieu added that the areas which are expected to see the most growth are alcohol, Canadian exports, energy, environmental sustainability, food, funerals, healthcare, higher education, legal services and water.

Of that list, environmental sustainability rings loudly with Whitlam Label Company. Whitlam just formed a partnership with Ecology Coatings, Inc. to develop a sustainable labels program that will help replace the conventional plastic laminate films widely used in today’s label industry.

Whitlam COO Alex Elezaj, who attended the 2012 TLMI Converter Meeting with Whitlam President Richard Shaieb, said, “Whitlam attracts top brand companies because we continually strive to develop innovative label applications … Our customers are seeking sustainable, high performance labels consistent with their brand positioning.”

The Converter Meeting didn’t just cover the economy, though. Kraig Kramer, president and CEO of Corporate Partners, Inc., presented “CEO Tools for Every Manager.” In his presentation, Kramer explained his seven-step process for management.

1. Set meaningful goals
2. Communicate and build trust
3. Track progress publicly
4. Plan and anticipate the future
5. Hire winners and put people in their best jobs
6. Organize self and other to do the job
7. Celebrate success

In line with his idea, Bob Prosen, president and CEO of The Prosen Center for Business Advancement, discussed accountability and measurement when it came to achieving your company’s necessary goals. He said, “When you lower your expectations enough, you’ll achieve them. Create an accountabilty-based culture. Focus on results, not activities.”

Leadership is crucial to the success of any endeavor, whether it be a sports team, your children’s lemonade stand or the development of sustainable labels. And this is something Whitlam Label takes to heart. If you have any questions about how Whitlam Label Company can help your business through our innovative and effective labeling solutions, contact us today!

WARREN, Mich., Feb. 29, 2012

WARREN, Mich., Feb. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Ecology Coatings, Inc. (OTCQB:ECOC), a leader in the discovery of ultraviolet-curable advanced coatings, today announced it is working with Michigan-based Whitlam Label Company on the development of a sustainable labels program. Whitlam customers include some of the world’s top brands, including Chrysler, ePrize, Ford, GM, General Electric, and Garden Fresh Gourmet.

The goal of the development program is to provide an innovative, sustainable labels solution to replace conventional plastic laminate films currently used for printed labels.

Whitlam Label Chief Operating Officer Alex Elezaj commented, “Whitlam attracts top brand companies because we continually strive to develop innovative label applications. Ecology’s coatings will allow us to use an environmentally friendly label substrate, replacing plastic laminates. Our customers are seeking sustainable, high performance labels consistent with their brand positioning.”

Ecology’s UV-curable EcoQuik™ coatings have a distinct performance advantage over competitive overprint coatings and finishes in the print and packaging market. The optimum formulation chemistry maintains its integrity in high moisture environments and provides protection from thermal shock and outstanding resistance to household chemicals and paint solvents, while providing excellent rub resistance and optical clarity.

Ecology Coatings CEO Bob Crockett commented, “Petroleum-based plastic laminate films are commonly used in the prime label and packaging markets. Our families of coatings allow the substitution of environmentally sustainable substrates providing affordable, high-performance alternatives. The coatings cure rapidly, provide a barrier to air, water, grease and are extremely durable, making them a cost effective solution for food packaging and wrappings—and an exciting direction for Ecology Coatings.”

There are many applications that will benefit from Ecology Coatings’ UV-curable products. To discover if these environmentally friendly, UV-curable coatings can advance your manufacturing application or enhance your sustainability program and products, visit the company’s website at www.ecologycoatings.com or send an email to sales@ecologycoatings.com.

About Whitlam Label
Whitlam Label Company, Inc., a private company headquartered in Center Line, MI, has multiple manufacturing and sales offices in the USA, designs, manufactures, and supplies engineered identification, performance and branding products for the automotive, industrial, and consumer packaged goods markets.

About Ecology Coatings, Inc.
Ecology Coatings, Inc. (OTCQB: ECOC) is a leader in the development and licensing of cleantech ultraviolet (UV) curable coatings — coatings that improve the products we use daily. Ecology’s technology platform allows manufacturers to enhance the durability and performance of their products, while significantly reducing energy costs and increasing manufacturing throughput. The company produces solvent-free coatings, which eliminate the escape of harmful solvents into the atmosphere during application. Headquartered in Warren, Michigan, Ecology Coatings has a development and prototype lab in Akron, Ohio.

Forward-looking Statements
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, which are specified in Ecology’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements made herein.

Investor and Media Relations
McCloud Communications, LLC
Marty Tullio, Managing Member
949.553.9748
Marty@McCloudCommunications.com

SOURCE Ecology Coatings, Inc.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/604532#ixzz1nnxiTERI

Attaching electronics to different substrates is much different than other kinds of printing, but many traditional printing techniques are used. These techniques include inkjet, flexography, screen printing and more. Some of the industries utilizing printed electronics include the tech and auto industries, but governments are also using this method to attach radio frequency identification (RFID) into passports and government-issued pieces of identification as well.  This list is growing and with time will become more universal. Two of the primary instances of printed electronics being used are in electric vehicles and with touch screens.

With the advent of the smartphone, touch screen technology is becoming ubiquitous in our culture and marketplace. It’s hard to find a phone that doesn’t have a touch screen, and recently there have been great advances in the development of them. According to a Printed Electronics World article, Eastman Kodak Co. and the Conductive Polymers Division of Heraeus Precious Metals GmbH & Co. KG “have jointly announced that they have created a projected capacitive touch screen with Kodak HCF-225 Film/ESTAR™ Base as the transparent conductive component featuring completely invisible patterns, marking a change in the manufacturing of touch screen displays for handsets and tablet devices.”

The article goes on to say that the result is a touch screen created to industry standards that provides better flexibility, stability, touch performance, transparency, reduced haze and a neutral color profile. This is a more cost-effective alternative to patterned indium tin oxide (ITO) films.

Another area where printed electronics is really taking off is with electric cars. According to another Printed Electronics World piece, many big firms like Dow Chemical, 3M and DuPont have completely bought–or bought into–companies that focus on printed electronics. The article says “there is interest in traction batteries for electric vehicles, where the third generation technology, that with the highest energy density and little if any dependence on rare metals, increasingly involves solid state assemblies made by printing reel to reel. ”

Without the use of printed electronics techniques, this development with electric cars would not be possible. And with time, printed electronics will be used more and more in a wide array of industries. If you have any questions about printed electronics, contact us today!

Whenever a new technology is developed there is a honeymoon period: the period of time when consumers and manufacturers cannot get enough of said technology. QR codes have had a similar reception, especially here in the United States. Just a few years ago, they weren’t on anything. Now they are printed on music posters, food packaging, lottery tickets and more. But, is the honeymoon wearing off? According to a study by comScore, only 14 million Americans scanned QR codes in June 2011. That is less than 5 percent of the United States. Not exactly riveting numbers, considering 42 percent of all American adults own a smartphone.

What does this mean for the QR code? Is there an alternative other than NFC tags, or are their other factors resulting in the demise of the code’s usage?

As with many forms of technology, there are always security concerns. This applies to new computer operating systems, social networks, smartphones, and yes, QR codes. First, let’s consider what one of these codes looks like. It’s essentially a small box filled with smaller boxes and a little white space. These codes are literally completely unreadable by the human eye, and that’s how they were designed. It wouldn’t be any fun to scan a QR code if you could just look at it and know what your return was. But this ability to hide messages has also opened a door for those with nefarious intentions to walk in.

Because these codes are unreadable, it’s very easy for someone to embed malicious date into the code itself. Inappropriate use of QR codes has been going on for years and can be used in a variety of ways. For example, scanning an infected QR code can give someone else access to your smartphone’s contents (Internet access, contacts, GPS, camera and more). All of your phone’s data could be mined and stolen without you even noticing. Instances like this happening aren’t extremely common, but it’s something to think about next time you go to scan one of those enticing QR codes.

There seems to be an alternative to QR codes waiting in the wings, though, and it’s mobile visual search (MVS). MVS is perhaps the next wave of technology similar to the QR Code, but instead of consumers scanning a specific code, they’ll scan a product’s label. While it is still in its infancy, it looks to be much more interactive than QR codes, both for the products’ manufacturers and consumers.

What are your thoughts on QR codes, did the honeymoon fade or do they still have some life left in them? And remember, if you have questions about how QR codes can still benefit your business, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

The article focuses on pressure-sensitive adhesives, one of the commonly-used techniques used for applying labels to a variety of surfaces, or substrates. Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives (PSA) work by forming a bond between the label and the applied surface when pressure is applied. There is no need for solvents or water to be used for this type of label application. It’s important that the surface of the substrate be taken into account when applying labels, and that is the topic of several of the questions Ohnmeiss answers in his article.

Sticky Notes are an Example of Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives

One of the more basic questions Ohnmeiss answers is “What general advice can you offer someone selecting a pressure-sensitive laminate?” He says one of the most important things is to test the products sufficiently for any application. “The more circumstances and conditions you account for in testing, the more likely you are to select the correct pressure sensitive laminate.”

Ohnmeiss also stresses that if you, as a client, have any questions about what adhesives to use for a certain product to ask your label provider. The Whitlam Label team is extremely knowledgeable about this and can help you along the way. He also discussed the importance of following any regulatory requirements that may be in place regarding a specific product. It not only makes our lives as label applicators easier, but yours as well. If we know what the regulations are before we apply your labels, we will make sure we follow them to a T.

Another question our clients often ask us that Ohnmeiss addresses is how long a label we apply for them will last. This depends on several factors. The first is the shelf life of the label. This refers to how long the label can last in its pre-applied state. To maximize the shelf life of a label, Ohnmeiss suggests that all labels “be stored in conditions as close to 72 F and 50 percent RH as possible.” The second factor is the durability of the label. Label durability is how long the label can perform once applied to a substrate. This depends on environmental conditions, printing technology, label construction and other factors. He writes, “Understanding the durability needs for an application is key to designing a cost-effective and successful label solution.”

Do you have more questions regarding what kind of pressure-sensitive adhesive is best for your product? Contact us! We’d love to discuss how we can create the best label application for you and your product.