Kolibri Labels installed an EFI Jetrion 4830 in October 2012
Kolibri Labels turns to digital inkjet printing to give customers what they want.
Kolibri Labels bv, based in’s-Heerenberg, the Netherlands, is well known for going to almost any length to satisfy its customers’ labelling needs. That is, no doubt, why its printing plant houses a wide range of different equipment, including offset, flexo and screen presses as well as embossing and special effects systems. It is also why the company built a Competence Centre where clients get high level advice from the company’s experts for their most demanding projects.
In response to its customers’ needs for even higher quality with faster turnaround, Kolibri turned to EFI. The EFI Jetrion 4830 is the company’s second inkjet system, but this one allows it to offer newer, more attractive options.
Founded in 1964, Kolibri focuses on the production of high quality, self-adhesive labels for the cosmetics, food, drinks and chemical industries.
Catering to customers
Producing labels for spirits, wine and sparkling wine are a high priority at Kolibri. Because they are higher priced products, they require high profile, eye-catching designs. This is one of the reasons the company built its Competence Centre. Here, customers benefit from on-site advice to find the optimal output for brand identification. Staff work with its clients’ designers and then run a test to find the best solution. This process actually saves money as expensive press proofs are no longer necessary.
This strategy has served Kolibri well as is evidenced by the large number of label awards it has won from various organisations. Among them is the European Converter of the Year Award 2011.
Comparable with screen printing
The company also offers its customers the option of digital printing which gives them the option of selecting the popular no-label look. It is for this reason that the company decided to buy an additional digital printing machine, the EFI Jetrion 4830.
‘The decision was based on the result of a number of tests carried out at the EFI branch in Ratingen, Germany,’ explained managing director, Jan Frederik Vink. ‘During these tests, we were able to generate our first customer orders featuring the no-label look. The results were convincing, demonstrating that the white ink capability on the Jetrion 4830 resulted in good coverage, comparable to screen printing.’
The Jetrion performs
The UV inkjet system was installed immediately after the test phase. ‘The molecule size of the EFI ink components is optimum and it is a perfect size for the print head controller, resulting in excellent print quality. In addition, the printed materials exhibit a high level of durability and therefore remain intact for a long period of time. This was another reason for us to invest in this inkjet printing machine,’ said Mr Vink.
For setup, the maximum print width is 210 mm (track width 229 mm), printing resolution is up to 1000 dpi and production speed is 37 m/min. Print heads for the CMYK process colours are integrated, as well as the option to pre-print in white, as requested by Kolibri Labels. Operation is by touch screen, which is fitted onto a swivel arm and therefore facilitates flexible work at different positions of the machine. The Jetrion is capable of handling a wide range of materials such as paper, coated substrates, films and other special printing substrates.
Flexibility and short delivery times
Kolibri Labels has always been well known for the production of high quality labels in small batches. ‘Our competitors often cannot believe that we are also able to cost-effectively produce small print runs using our conventional machines. But it works!’ said Mr Vink. ‘However, only one digital printing machine guarantees the flexibility that our clients increasingly require. For example, if a customer places an order at 4 pm, we are often able to dispatch the digitally printed labels as early as 11 am the next day’.
A good example is Royal Fassin BV, known under the name ‘Katja’ in the Netherlands, for whom the company prints confectionery labels using the Jetrion 4830. The client can place orders online and track the production status while the job is running. ‘Royal Fassin regularly brings new products onto the market and frequently orders different types in small quantities. These varying and continually changing print images require a high level of flexibility, which our new inkjet printing machine and workflow system guarantee,’ stated Erik Geutjes, marketing and sales manager.
Optimum requirements
Whilst the Jetrion 4830 is integrated into the workflow, the Kolibri Labels production facility also provides optimum conditions for inkjet printing. A special cooling system ensures a permanently pleasant climate in the print room which has a positive influence on print quality. ‘Even months after the Jetrion inkjet printing system has been installed, we are delighted with the machine’s performance,’ added Mr Vink. ‘Moreover, EFI has proven to be the optimum partner for our company. Not only does the Jetrion 4830 function perfectly, but our other digital printing machine can print using EFI inks thanks to the assistance of EFI technicians.’
As a result of this positive experience and the rising number of orders, Kolibri Labels is already planning the installation of a second Jetrion. This time, with a width of 330 mm.
Challenge
Kolibri Labels wanted to offer customers the option of selecting the popular no-label look as well as achieve faster turnaround for small runs.
Solution
‘During these tests, we were able to generate our first customer orders featuring the no-label look. The results were convincing, demonstrating that the white ink capability on the Jetrion 4830 resulted in good coverage, comparable to screen printing.’
Result
‘Only one digital printing machine guarantees the flexibility that our clients increasingly require … if a customer places an order at 4 pm, we are often able to dispatch the digitally printed labels as early as 11 am the next day.’
