Herma has developed PA8 4C, a print and apply system designed to enable late-stage customisation of packaging in full colour.

Launching at FachPack 2019, PA8 4C uses Memjet’s VersaPass technology and features a specially developed label applicator that ensures only the last label printed is applied.

Suitable labels for Memjet technology are available as paper or PP film versions with glossy or matt surfaces. Memjet’s integrated four-colour CMYK management system ensures that preset colour accuracy, for logos and defined spot colours of a brand owner design, are achieved with precision regardless of the label material.

Regarding packaging dimensions, the system is currently designed for sizes between 90 x 50 x 15 mm to 150 x 150 x 30 mm (L x W x H). Format sets are used to adapt the system to different packaging sizes. Label sizes can vary between 45 x 85 mm to 175 x 150 mm (W x L).

The system, one of the first of its kind according to Herma, allows for full-colour, edge-to-edge printing on white labels and the exact assignment of each completely customised label on to the respective packaging unit. Possible labelling types are top labelling as well as L- and C-shape labels.

Ulrich Fischer, head of product management at Herma’s labelling machines division, said, ‘We choose Memjet for this solution because of its outstanding print quality. In addition to image quality, the safety of the water-based ink is ideally suited for applications in the pharmaceutical or food industries.’

Herma noted that interest in technologies that can produce late-stage customisation with batch sizes as small as one is growing among many sectors, including the pharmaceutical, food, FMCG, and other industries.

‘Packaging that has been individualised in this manner meets brand owner requirements and increases marketing effectiveness,’ added Mr Fischer. ‘As we are frequently talking about very small batch sizes in late-stage customisation, one will always have to consider for each case whether automated systems make economic sense.’

Martin Kühl, head of Herma’s labelling machines division, added, ‘Combined with the possible labelling types, this gives users maximum design freedom. The system allows them to design only the actually required packaging unit just in time, with no need to store many pre-printed folding cartons.’