“Having both flexo and inkjet presses allows us to determine which is most appropriate for a customer’s needs. That may mean long runs on our flexo press or shorter runs with variable content on the Screen Truepress Jet L350UV inkjet press,” explains Jan Lehigh, President of Alpine Packaging in North Versailles, Pennsylvania. “No matter which press we use, our customers know the quality will be what they need. They are very pleased.”
Since putting the Screen Truepress Jet L350UV into operation in the fall of 2016, Alpine Packaging has embraced flexo and inkjet printing solutions that offer new label printing options for existing customers while opening doors to new business opportunities.
Expanding Markets with Flexo and Inkjet Printing Solutions
“We’re doing more wine labels, and craft beers are popping up everywhere. One exciting trend we’re seeing is the increase in tea brands,” Lehigh shares with enthusiasm. “It’s really exciting; there are so many teas reaching the market these days,” and each of these products requires effective labeling as new companies build their brands.
Whether using its flexo press or the Screen L350UV, Alpine makes a concerted effort to understand the specific applications for each label and what the label will be applied to. This allows them to choose the right substrate and adhesive for the job.
“For instance, we have five different adhesives for high-gloss substrates, and it’s crucial to use the one that aligns with the customer’s needs,” says Lehigh. “We consider ourselves to be ‘label engineers,’ and our ability to print on both flexo and inkjet presses gives us more flexibility and opens up new doors for us.”
The Importance of Variable Data in Flexo and Inkjet Printing Solutions
An important addition to Alpine’s offerings is variable data. Customers increasingly request barcoding and versioning, often related to test runs and SKU expansion. This variable content not only enhances customer satisfaction but also streamlines Alpine’s internal operations.
The company is currently implementing a “5S” system, a Japanese organizational methodology designed to help work be performed efficiently, effectively, and safely. The 5S principles—Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain—emphasize organization and cleanliness in the workplace, making it easier for staff to perform their jobs without wasting time or risking injury. Labeling plays a crucial role in this process, with the Screen inkjet press facilitating Alpine’s operational efficiency.
“There are about 2,000 dies, all of which require labels, in addition to many other items and containers needing variable data labels to work within the 5S system,” Lehigh explains. “We were manually printing the labels, but now, with the help of our IT team, we can pull data directly from our system and run the labels with variable content.”
Embracing New Opportunities with Flexo and Inkjet Printing Solutions
Reflecting on the past, Lehigh notes that when they were limited to flexography, the company turned away some short-run business. “We kept track of who was calling, and once we had the Screen press, we could reach out and let them know we could help them,” she says.
“And now we are,” Lehigh adds. “We find many customers are increasingly eager to take advantage of shorter run lengths. It’s amazing!”
By integrating flexo and inkjet printing solutions, Alpine Packaging is well-equipped to meet the diverse and evolving needs of its clients, driving growth and innovation in the label printing market.
