Label and packaging work together

Sustainability Label and packaging work together

2024-12-17 From Guntram Stadelmann * | Translated by AI 4 min Reading Time

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Labels that do without liners not only reduce waste but also optimize logistics. The example of the Hermes QL system from Cab shows how this can work.

The hub applicator on the Hermes QL in detail view.(Image: Cab product technology) — The hub applicator on the Hermes QL in detail view.
(Image: Cab product technology)

For self-adhesive labels traditionally wound on rolls, liners are used. These are specially coated papers from which labels can be easily removed. After the labels are dispensed, the carriers result in tons of waste worldwide each year. To conserve natural resources and reduce negative environmental impacts, Cab has further developed its proven Hermes Q printing and labeling system into the Hermes QL models. These allow for the printing of logistics labels without backing material. The industry refers to this as linerless. The disposal of carriers is eliminated. This means more labels fit on rolls, making them lighter to transport. Downtime in systems is reduced due to fewer roll changes. Labels in different designs and sizes can be printed with the same roll. At the Hermes QL, a cutter trims the labels to the desired length. Both industry and the environment benefit.

"Most of our customers know us and simply expect us to solve every task economically," says Dirk Roland, Cab's International Sales Manager for labeling systems. "In this case, we evaluated the comprehensive modular system of our Hermes systems and transferred the requirements of linerless to the specifications of our printers and peripherals."

Flexible because modular

The classic use of the Hermes QL is wherever companies label shipping cartons with information. The printheads are designed for direct thermal printing. With the HQ 4024 hub applicator, Hermes QL addresses up to 25 cartons per minute. An electrically driven fan sucks the labels on. Compressed air is only needed for the lift cylinder.

Single view of the Hermes QL.(Image: Cab product technology) — Single view of the Hermes QL.
(Image: Cab product technology)

The functions, dimensions, and installation positions of the Hermes QL are compatible with the Hermes Q. Applicators and mounting aids can continue to be used, making it easy to interchange Hermes Q and QL linerless printers. Whether labeling around corners, on flat surfaces or cylinders, in transit or at a standstill, from all sides on cardboard—the Cab modular system makes everything possible. For integration into networks or automation solutions, all Hermes Q devices provide the necessary interfaces, including Industry 4.0 protocols.

Even more sustainable?

Inno-Liner is a linerless adhesive material from Herma. Unlike conventional linerless products, the outer layer of adhesive remains deactivated until dispensing is activated. This means the material does not stick together on the roll and does not require silicone. Instead, vaporized steam at the applicator activates the adhesive in a matter of milliseconds when dispensing a label. Inno-Liner strongly adheres to absorbent cardboard or similar paper-like substrates. It is free from bisphenol and allows labeling even on food packaging.

Whether the product is moving or stationary at the time of labeling and from which side labels are applied are important factors in choosing the right labeling system.(Image: Cab product technology) — Whether the product is moving or stationary at the time of labeling and from which side labels are applied are important factors in choosing the right labeling system.
(Image: Cab product technology)

In a specially initiated cooperation with Herma, Cab is further developing Hermes QL for applications with Inno-Liner adhesive material. The aim is to provide a device that allows Inno-Liner adhesive material to be printed at variable heights in fully automated packing lines, separated with a cutting knife after printing, and applied using a hub applicator.

Proven base system

Industrial companies value the Hermes Q printing and labeling systems for their diverse applications. Each model combines a printing and labeling system, allowing logistics labels to be individually printed and positioned on goods in a single operation. Various options for applying the labels arise depending on the chosen applicator and its transfer unit:

Pressing: Labels are applied to an object when triggered by a signal. Cab provides transfer units universally or specifically sprung, damped, or with label stops according to the size or consistency of the object.
Roll labels onto a product during transport in a conveyor line
Blow on with compressed air without mechanical contact: This allows labels to be shot through the air up to 20 centimeters before landing accurately on the object and sticking there.
Wrap labels around cylindrical bodies using an applicator with a form stamp

Each application is unique. Print volumes and widths, label sizes, and print quality play major roles. High processing speeds, variable data, and tight product sequences on a conveyor belt are important factors when transferring printed labels to goods. Whether the item is moving or stationary at the time of labeling and from which side labels are applied are additional considerations. Cab has nearly 50 years of experience in this sector and offers solutions for every requirement. Mounting aids and stands facilitate the flexible installation of the systems in machinery. For network integration, all necessary interfaces, including Industry 4.0 protocols, are available. Standards and norms such as OPC-UA and MQTT ensure safe communication between humans and machines. Labels applied to surfaces with Hermes Q/QL are information carriers. They enable correct distribution, ensuring smooth processes at the entry and exit of goods, their picking, storage, and transport, traceability from origin to destination, and economic calculability.

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Optimized control

Cab is gradually equipping the applicators for Hermes Q with new electronics and firmware. Proven functions are retained, and new ones are added. For example, the applicators can be adjusted more granularly at the printer, directly via the control panel or remotely through its web interface. Various calibration and learning options facilitate any requirement. Firmware updates can be installed much faster, and settings can be exported and imported, for instance, when switching to another printer or applicator. In the event of malfunctions, workers receive detailed information to quickly return to normal operations. (bh)

* Guntram Stadelmann is a technical editor at Cab Produkttechnik GmbH & Co. KG in 76131 Karlsruhe (Germany), Tel. +49 721 66260, info@cabgmbh.com