DataLase is delighted to announce it has been shortlisted for a prestigious FlexoTech Award following the successful development and introduction of its new WBF 6101 coating.
Launched earlier this year, the new water-based functional coating for corrugated packaging, which further helps brands achieve their CSR packaging goals, has been shortlisted in the Innovations category of the prestigious annual industry awards.
“The new coating extends the capability of the DataLase Case Coding Solution and enables laser coding and marking of both white and natural kraft (brown) corrugated boxes,” explained Laura Rickards, Marketing Manager at DataLase. “Complementing our current coatings portfolio, it is a viable alternative to high resolution inkjet, waxjet and print and apply labels.
“Importantly for the environment, it eliminates waste and single use plastics from the supply chain, whilst allowing brands to move to a more sustainable kraft corrugate option,” she said. “It replaces the typical print and apply label, which produces backing waste with a silicone release coating and thermal transfer ribbon waste consisting of plastics, waxes and resins. Since both are multi-material, they are ultimately classed as non-recyclable and therefore sent for end-of-life incineration.”
“Packaging sustainability and single use plastics are front of mind for brands today, with an ever-increasing number displaying their commitment through publicising 2020-2025 sustainability targets. We estimate that for every 1 million typical shipping labels used (100x150mm or 4”x6”), approximately 300 kilometres of unnecessary backing waste is produced. If we apply this to a typical production environment, it equates to thousands of kilometres of backing and thermal ribbon waste being sent straight to an incinerator every year. The DataLase Case Coding Solution creates significant operational savings for manufacturers, as well as contributing to brands’ packaging sustainability goals.”
The new coating creates high contrast, high quality, durable printing that does not smudge or rub off – resulting in less product recalls and penalties from retailers for rework.
The FlexoTech Awards’ winners will be announced at a special event held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London, on the evening of 16 October 2019.