Lebanon based narrow web converter, Propack Labelling Solutions, has been awarded Esko HD Certification. The award, which was presented by Phil Baldwin, Aftermarket Director of Mark Andy Europe at Labelexpo Europe 2015, is the first to be granted in the Middle East region, and highlights Propack’s commitment to high quality flexo printed labels. The award follows the installation of a Mark Andy Performance Series P5 press at Propack’s Beirut facility at the end of 2014.
Founded in 2014 by three partners with a variety of packaging industry experience, Propack has used HD quality to move into new market sectors like security printing with holographic foils. Speaking for the company, Board Member Joud Jouayed commented: “Of the three press trials we carried out there was no doubt that Mark Andy technology offered the best combination of efficiency and consistency, which is vital for full HD work. In particular, we’d like to acknowledge the contribution made by Mr Baldwin whose support was invaluable throughout the project.”
The new P5, which has a 330mm web width, is fitted with hot and cold foil capability, a screen-printing unit, and the ability to print on the reverse of the substrate. It is being used exclusively for full HD-flexo work on products from high-end wine labels to household cleaning materials, on which the extensive print tests were carried out prior to the order being placed with Mark Andy via local distributor DynaGraph.
In addition to the new Mark Andy P5, Propack has also invested in a Rotoflex VSI slitter/rewinder with 100% inspection, and will be adding rotary die cutting and technology designed for producing 3D label printing, in 2016. The company is highly focussed on R&D projects, which are led by the Head of Technical Department, Joseph Jouayed, who constantly seeks innovative ideas that differentiate Propack in the Lebanese and the other MENA markets. New products under development at present include IML, cold glue labels, and 3D printing using special effect metallic inks.
