Ravenwood Packaging, leaders in linerless labelling solutions, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Watershed Group, a premier Irish and international print packaging/labelling group with multiple manufacturing facilities across Ireland, UK and Europe.

For further information on the Watershed Group visit our global distributor page or visit www.watershedgroup.com.

Liz Waters – CEO at Watershed Group

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The laser micrometer uses a tightly focused 1mm² beam of light to analyse the angle of refraction through the adhesive layer, providing highly consistent and precise measurement. Paired with advanced software, the system generates a true average coat-weight reading across the full adhesive width, supplying operators with real-time, on-line data.

For Ravenwood’s network of printers who produce clear film labels, this technology delivers a major advantage. The scanner’s ability to perform accurately on transparent materials eliminates the need for manual offline checks and improves overall coating consistency. This results in more reliable label performance, better quality control and greater production efficiency.

Director, Dan Coe said: “With investments in faster, more versatile Nobac 5000 linerless applicators and a wider range of approved substrates, Ravenwood continues to push the capabilities of its Com500 coater technology forward.”

He added: “Ravenwood customers can be confident that Com500 coaters serviced with the latest technology come with performance guarantees, setting a benchmark for quality in linerless label production and application.”

For further information on clear film labels and the Com500 coater, please contact marketing on +44(0)1284 749144.

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Adhesives Engineered for Linerless Labelling

Through close partnership with Ravenwood, Henkel has developed exclusive hotmelt pressure sensitive adhesives designed to deliver smooth, clean coating and converting specifically for linerless labelling. The adhesives are precisely formulated and tested for use with Ravenwood’s Com500 Coaters, ensuring optimal performance for Ravenwood Approved Printers across global markets.

Engineered for compatibility with Ravenwood’s Nobac Applicators, the adhesives support high-speed production and perform reliably in cold chain environments, making them ideal for food logistics.

The alliance between Ravenwood and Henkel forms a key part of Ravenwood’s Circle of Linerless, a holistic approach that connects every element of the linerless ecosystem to ensure efficiency, sustainability and performance.

Ravenwood’s linerless labels are 100% kerbside recyclable and have recently received full APCO (Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation) accreditation. In May 2024, APCO approved Ravenwood’s linerless technology for classification as ‘Recyclable’ under the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) program. This achievement followed a rigorous three-year journey led by Ravenwood Director, Dan Coe, in collaboration with BioPRIA and Monash University. Testing demonstrated that Ravenwood’s labels achieved an impressive average pulp yield of over 93.75% after screening – a crucial benchmark in recyclability.

“Henkel’s approved adhesives reinforces our goal to deliver the most reliable and sustainable linerless solution on the market,” said Coe. “Our partnership reflects a shared vision: to innovate without compromise and build a packaging future rooted in performance and responsibility.”

Ravenwood’s Circle of Linerless: Components and Capabilities

Ravenwood’s Circle of Linerless is an industry-leading concept encompassing materials, machinery and support services. The ecosystem includes:

• Com 500 Coater for label production
• Nobac 5000 Applicators for precise label application
• Fully approved materials, including adhesives, silicones and base paper
• Keyline label design services, disaster recovery and technical support
• The VXR® end-of-line system, ensuring pack integrity through vision, X-ray and contaminant checks
• RRAP (Ravenwood Recyclability Approval Program), helping printers meet Ravenwood’s chain of custody and sustainability standards

Driving Down Emissions Through Local Innovation

With more brands seeking sustainable packaging alternatives, Ravenwood’s linerless solution continues to drive down CO₂ emissions. All Ravenwood machinery is manufactured in the UK, with over 90% of components for the Nobac 5000 applicator sourced within a 4-mile radius of its Norwich factory. Based on typical linerless label dimensions and volumes from previous years, it’s estimated that Ravenwood’s technology prevented 7,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions from entering the atmosphere in 2024 – equivalent to the weight of 37 fully loaded Boeing 737 aircraft.

Join Ravenwood and Henkel at Label Expo 2025

Visit Ravenwood on Stand 5A52 and Henkel on Stand 4C56 at Label Expo 2025 to explore how their long-standing partnership is redefining sustainable labelling. From cutting-edge materials and machinery to process innovation, this alliance showcases the future of circular packaging in action. For over 20 years, Henkel has been instrumental in the continued success and evolution of Ravenwood’s linerless labelling solution – setting new standards for performance, efficiency and sustainability.

For further information, contact Ravenwood’s marketing team on +44(0)1284 749144.

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What is the Plastic Packaging Tax?

The Plastic Packaging Tax is increasing from 1^st April 2025 from £217.85 per tonne to £223.69 per tonne. This increase will have a significant impact on the use of plastic in fresh produce packaging, affecting both the packaging itself and the labels applied. The charge will come into effect on packaging that does not contain at least 30% recycled content. Since flowrap is typically made from non-recycled plastic, it could become more expensive as the tax increases.

Who pays the tax?

In the UK, packers and importers are typically responsible for paying the Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT). However, if a retailer is not directly involved in the packing process, they typically wouldn’t pay the tax, but they may face higher costs from suppliers who are required to pay it.

How will retailers and packers tackle the problem?

Stick with plastic – If retailers and packers stick with the plastic flowrap, they are more than likely to pass the extra cost on to their consumers. Subsequently, this could have an impact on demand, especially for price-sensitive products and sales could be compromised as a result. Companies are also likely to experience higher costs for the plastic flowrap material from the 1^st April.

Opt for Ravenwood’s linerless technology – Alternatively, retailers and packers can switch to a more sustainable method of packaging such as Ravenwood’s linerless technology which would help them avoid the tax altogether by meeting the recycled content threshold. The linerless fruit lid, paired with a kerbside recyclable tray available in either carton board (including corrugated) or pulp, offers convenience to consumers while being both practical and visually appealing. The design and branding can be applied to both the fruit lid and tray for enhanced on-shelf appeal. And with the entire pack being kerbside recyclable means a reduced carbon footprint that will support a wider circular economy.

What is linerless?

Unlike traditional labels, linerless labels eliminate the need for backing paper on the reel. Instead, they feature adhesive and silicone strips on the underside and surface of the label, allowing them to stick to themselves. This innovative design reduces material usage and waste. By removing the liner, which would usually end up in a landfill, linerless labels help to significantly cut CO2 emissions, providing a more sustainable and recyclable alternative.

For further information on the fruit lid and kerbside recyclable tray, please contact marketing on +44(0)1284 749144. The new Plastic Packaging Tax rate has been updated on GOV.UK.

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MODEL: Standard Nobac 5000 Linerless Applicator with added functionality and tailored design.

APPLICATION: Our customer is labelling multiple compartment trays with D wrap linerless labels.

View Nobac 5000 Product Pages

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Since fully automating the sushi labelling with linerless, a broad range of benefits have become apparent. These include faster label application speeds coupled with a reduction in manpower, plastic and CO2.

The range includes Korean Style Chicken Dragon Roll, Classic Vegetable Selection, Tuna Snack Pack and Salmon & Prawn Nigiri.

The food producer supplies the UK retailer with convenience foods and ‘food to go’ products, and the sushi category is just one of the ranges they supply. The packaging development team wanted to address the number of labels being applied and tackle plastic reduction across the labelling process. After discussions with both Ravenwood and Coveris, the decision was made to opt for Ravenwood’s linerless technology, after seeing positive results from both current and previous linerless labelling projects. The move would provide a holistic approach and bring about further benefits whilst addressing key objectives.

Before linerless, multiple self-adhesive labels were applied to each sushi pack. These labels included automatically applied top and base labels and manually applied clear plastic tamper proof labels. Since making the switch to the one D wrap linerless label, all information featured to the top and base self-adhesive labels are now featured to the one linerless label. And opting for the D wrap format, has resulted in the sushi packaging now becoming fully tamper proof as the D wrap completely wraps itself around the product. The separate plastic tamper proof tab is no longer required, and the pack aesthetics have also greatly improved.

To complete the transition to linerless, the food producer needed four Ravenwood Nobac 5000 linerless applicators for the project. Two applicators in the factory were repurposed, resulting in two further sleevers being purchased from Ravenwood.

Paul Beamish, Managing Director of Ravenwood said: “Ravenwood and Coveris enjoy a great business partnership and we have worked together on many successful linerless labelling projects. Food retailers and producers regard linerless as a winning formula with a holistic approach for cost effective, consistent, fault free and climate conscious labelling.”

Since fully automating with linerless, labelling speeds have increased to a steady and consistent 100 packs per minute. CO2 emissions have also been greatly reduced resulting in 8,507 kg of CO2 now being saved on an annual basis. Equating to 30% overall.

Craig Bevan who is the Food Fresh Category Director at Coveris said: “This collaboration highlights the exciting possibilities for linerless labels. We are thrilled to have been part of this project to enhance the packaging and reduce the number of packaging components required. In addition, supporting the commitment to sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint”.

Ravenwood’s linerless technology is supplied across a world-wide network of machinery distributors and label converters. Unlike self-adhesive labels, linerless does not feature backing paper. Eliminating the liner carries many benefits and alleviates the need to recycle, incinerate or landfill this by-product. All of these processes come at a financial and environmental cost. Linerless offers a more environmentally friendly and sustainable labelling solution resulting in a much-reduced carbon footprint.

Coveris is a Ravenwood Approved linerless printer and is a leading European packaging company that manufactures flexible and sustainable solutions for some of the world’s most respected brands.

For further information, contact marketing on +44(0)1284 749144.

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End-of-Line Automation in Food Production

End-of-line automation refers to the integration of advanced machinery and robotics at the final stages of food production and packaging. This innovation has revolutionised the way food manufacturers operate, offering several key benefits:

1. Increased Efficiency: Automation significantly reduces manual labour, leading to faster production cycles and higher output rates. This boost in efficiency allows companies to meet growing consumer demands while maintaining product consistency.
2. Improved Accuracy: Automation machinery ensures precise measurements, reducing the margin of error in food packaging and labelling. This, in turn, minimises product recalls and waste.
3. Enhanced Quality Control: Automated systems incorporate sophisticated quality control measures, such as vision systems and sensors, to detect defects or contaminants in real-time. This proactive approach ensures that only safe and high-quality products reach consumers.
4. Cost Savings: While the initial investment in automation can be substantial, long-term cost savings are realised through reduced labour costs, decreased waste, and increased production capacity.
5. Adaptability: Modern automation systems are designed to be highly adaptable, allowing food manufacturers to quickly adjust to changing consumer preferences and market trends.

Ravenwood’s VXR Vision Pack Inspection System

Supermarkets are demanding improved quality, 100% error-free labelling and a marked reduction in recalls – placing increased pressure on suppliers. But the good news is, Ravenwood’s VXR® Vision Pack Inspection System will not only meet these demands but will outperform manual operations for a fully streamlined process. The VXR is the ‘end of line solution provider’.

When combining its three technologies, the VXR system will safeguard in the following areas:

• Vision – check label accuracy as well as bar-codes, use-by dates and traceability codes.
• X-ray – detect foreign bodies such as glass, metal, ceramics and bone.
• Product Check – identify contaminants, product position and number of products (burgers and meatballs as an example).

Ravenwood’s high speed VXR Vision Pack Inspection System can also be integrated with the Nobac range of linerless applicators including various checkweighers for harnessing dynamic end-of-line product inspection and quality control.

Challenges and Considerations

While end-of-line automation has many advantages, there are challenges and considerations for food manufacturers:

1. Initial Investment: Implementing automation machinery can be costly, and smaller businesses may face financial constraints.
2. Workforce Transition: Automation may require upskilling or retraining of the workforce, potentially leading to job displacement.
3. Maintenance and Technical Expertise: Automated systems require regular maintenance and technical expertise, which may not be readily available in all regions.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that automation systems meet food safety and quality standards is essential to avoid compliance issues.
5. Scalability: Companies need to assess their growth potential and choose automation solutions that can adapt to changing production needs.

The Future of Food Production

End-of-line automation machinery is poised to play an increasingly vital role in the food industry’s future. As consumer demand for convenience, quality, and safety continues to rise, automation will become a necessity for staying competitive in the market. This technology offers not only improved efficiency and cost savings but also the assurance that the food we consume is of the highest quality and safety standards.

Food manufacturers must carefully evaluate their specific needs, industry regulations, and growth strategies when considering the adoption of end-of-line automation. By doing so, they can harness the power of automation to drive innovation and success in the ever-evolving food industry landscape.

By Natalie Bell
Published: 25^th September 2023

For further information, contact Marketing on +44(0)1284 749144.

High speed VXR linked to a checkweigher for dynamic end-of-line product inspection and quality control.

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The two new innovations will feature alongside a Nobac 5000, Nobac Stacker and Com 500.

NEW INNOVATIONS

Nobac 1500

The Nobac 1500 is a cost effective linerless label applicator aimed at replacing standard self-adhesive top and (or) base labellers. The new machine applies labels across conventional MAP trays with no protrusion. Label weights range from 100 – 200gsm in both paper and plastic. There is also the option to link weigh price labellers with no need for compressed air. Choose as a standalone top labeller for integrating into existing conveyors or top and (or) base with an integral conveyor.

Prior to the release of the 1500, a full Nobac 5000 applicator would need to be purchased, capable of a diverse range of linerless label formats, to cover top and base label application. Subsequently, the tailored 1500 is a welcome addition to the 5000 family.

Nobac 40 Vac

The Nobac 40 Vac is a small linerless promo labeller and is the first of its kind, marking the beginning of a new era in linerless promo flash labelling. The new labeller is extremely cost efficient and outperforms other self-adhesive labellers in its class, providing retailers and packers with a more sustainable labelling solution. The Nobac 40 Vac works alongside Ravenwood’s Nobac 5000 range. Expect line speeds to reach a maximum of 40 metres per minute. Various mountings are available on request including a conventional beak apply system.

ESTABLISHED MACHINERY

Nobac 5000

Since 2004, Ravenwood has steadily built up an impressive and diverse portfolio of Nobac 5000 applicators. Machine variants are designed for maximum flexibility and are dependent on product type and specification. These machines can sleeve fixed weight products as well as link to weigh-scales for variable weights.

Nobac Stacker

The Stacker is a linerless label cutting and stacking machine that offers the perfect solution for hand applying low volume linerless labels. The machine cuts and stacks labels in a ‘post-it note’ style format – up to 100 labels per minute. Labels are hand applied as and when required. The Stacker has been further enhanced since its launch in 2019 and now has the added benefit of coding –  opt for thermal transfer or ink jet. For those with low label runs looking for a cost-effective, entry level, manual linerless labelling machine, the Stacker is the perfect option.

Com 500 Coater

Ravenwood’s Com 500 Coater will also be ‘on demo’, on the life-sized video wall. It is the only coating system dedicated to running and delivering high quality Ravenwood linerless labels. Designed exclusively to the required specification for label application with Ravenwood’s Nobac 5000 machine range. The Coater produces linerless labels by adding glue and silicone lines to label reels. Labels are supplied in a range of weights and materials, including paper and polypropylene.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGIES

All Ravenwood machinery is built in the UK. This means that carbon emissions are kept to a minimum and is especially apparent where the Nobac 5000 linerless applicator is concerned. Over 90% of the machine’s weight is produced in the UK and all parts are machined on site at Ravenwood’s factory in Norwich or sourced within a 4-mile radius.

More and more brand owners are now switching to linerless. The main USP is that there is no release liner and subsequently, no waste. Unlike self-adhesive labels which feature backing paper, linerless avoids the need for liner disposal. Current methods include burying into landfill, costly recycling programmes and incineration. All come at a financial and environmental cost.

Ravenwood’s product portfolio and linerless materials are constantly evolving, and expanding to meet customer demand. The world of packaging and labelling is an ever mutating landscape. Subsequently, Ravenwood will rise to any packaging and labelling challenge. This ‘can do’ attitude ensures that Ravenwood and its technologies are at the forefront for driving creative, sustainable and cost effective linerless labelling solutions. This flexible approach ensures that their global network of printer partners and machinery distributors are fully equipped to meet the needs of their customers.

LABELEXPO EUROPE

Labelexpo Europe is the largest packaging and label event in the world, attracting around 40,000 visitors from 140 countries. The very first show launched in London, in 1980 where it was staged for five years before moving to Brussels in 1985. Europe accounts for over a third of the world’s label consumption and has some of the highest per capita usage (up to 17m2 per person) of any of the developed markets. Much of the focus is on Eastern Europe, which is achieving growth rates of almost three times that of Western Europe.

Find Ravenwood on stand 6D05. For further information, contact marketing at Ravenwood on +44(0)1284 749144. Visit Labelexpo Europe>

ABOUT RAVENWOOD

Ravenwood operates and supplies its linerless technology across a global network of 24 printers and 38 machinery distributors, spanning 24 countries and six continents. Ravenwood is a world leader in linerless labelling and offers the complete linerless solution, known as the ‘Circle of Linerless’. Brand owners, food retailers, packers and producers can benefit from faultless linerless labels, a performance guarantee, fully approved sustainable materials, 24/7 support along with disaster recovery.

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The new airshaft is quick and easy to set up and adjust. The silicone stripe rollers are mounted onto the shaft which are then moved into position and tightened by filling the shaft with air from a simple air gun. To adjust the set-up of rollers, your operator simply deflates the Airshaft by pressing the air valve at the end of the shaft. The stripe rollers can then be repositioned and the airshaft re-inflated.

With the current ETP locking bush system, operators must use a hex drive to fasten and loosen the locking mechanism to enable any movement of the stripe rollers. This takes up valuable time during set up and adjustment of the Coater.

The ETP system is extremely effective at holding the stripe rollers in place and can give years of trouble free use when used correctly. The downside of these units is that they can prove time consuming to fasten and tighten, and also susceptible to breaking when overtightened. In terms of cost, they are also expensive to replace.

The new airshaft has undergone extensive testing in a production environment. The results have been extremely good. Although it is not possible to test every conceivable iteration of silicone pattern, all patterns set up so far, have worked correctly.

Customers wishing to swap to the new shaft will either have to have their current stripe rollers modified with a 6mm keyway or they can buy a complete set of replacement rollers from Ravenwood. Unfortunately, the current stock of silicone stripe rollers will not work on the new airshaft.

The benefits of the new airshaft are as follows: 

• Faster pattern set up
• Ease of use
• No expensive locking bushes to break and replace
• Unit is lighter

For further information, or to receive a quote on the new airshaft, please contact Brian Russell, Coater Manager on +44(0)1284 749144.

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It’s all systems go! The leaders in linerless and pack inspection will be exhibiting at Interpack in Düsseldorf. Ravenwood will be demonstrating the Nobac 5000V vertical linerless applicator, Nobac 5000A automatic linerless applicator and VR Vision System, for automated optical inspection on food products.

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