INSTALLATION NEWS LOC España Invests In BOBST Master M5 Flexo Press With the recent installation of a new BOBST MAS- TER M5 flexo press, LOC España, Madrid, Spain, has strengthened its production capacity and now has set its sights on adding a third BOBST machine and its first digital press. The label market in Spain and across Europe is be- ing reshaped by what industry professionals refer to as the “Amazon effect”: customers expect ever-faster delivery times, flawless quality, and competitive prices. For a specialist like LOC España, these pressures are a daily reality. Founded in 1985 as part of an industrial group linked to the paper sector, LOC España evolved into a specialized manufacturer of self-adhesive labels and has grown steadily under the leadership of the founding family. More than 16 years ago, the second generation took over when Zoilo joined the business, bringing renewed energy and a clear focus on innova- tion and customer service, while maintaining the close, personal culture that has always defined the company. Today, LOC España operates three shifts and serves customers across the food and beverage, pharmaceu- tical, chemical, and cosmetics sectors, mainly in Spain. Increased Production The challenge was not only to increase production volume. As order complexity grew and delivery times shortened, the company needed greater production flexibility and the ability to efficiently balance workflows across the entire plant. Replicating the existing machine with an identical model was the most logical solution. LOC España’s relationship with BOBST began more than a decade ago, driven by the expertise of the local BOBST team together with Feimar, the company’s offi- cial distributor in Spain. On June 10-11, the LOC España team, in collab- oration with partners BOBST and Avery Dennison, opened the doors of its production plant to other pro- fessionals in the label industry during the LOC España Open House event. The event provided a valuable opportunity to ex- change knowledge on the latest printing technologies, self-adhesive materials and production solutions, while encouraging greater collaboration across the industry. Together with market experts, BOBST demon- strated the production of multilayer labels using flex- ographic, digital, and hybrid technologies. Attendees also experienced the production of a coupon-style label using inline flexographic technology on LOC’s MASTER M5 press in an automated, inspected, high- speed process.
Sustainability (CONT’D FROM PAGE 37)
properly, how packaging choices may affect EPR fees or regulatory obligations, and the carbon footprint through life-cycle analysis. This matters for labels and package decoration. Labels, sleeves, adhesives, inks, and coatings are not always the largest part of a package by weight, but they can deter- mine whether the entire package succeeds or fails in recy- cling. The right label technology can help brands maintain shelf impact while supporting recyclability. Digitalization and AI are also changing sustainable packaging. Digital tools can help teams manage packag- ing data, compare design options, support compliance, re- duce artwork errors, and improve production efficiency. AI can help analyze packaging information, identify risks, and speed up decision-making. These tools will not replace packaging expertise, but they can help teams make better decisions faster. Consumer expectations are changing, too. Consumers still care about sustainability, but they are more skeptical of vague or unsupported claims. They want packaging that is recyclable, responsibly sourced, or made with recycled content, while still expecting convenience, quality, afford- ability, and product protection. No Perfect Answers The biggest challenge is that there is rarely a perfect answer. A package has to protect the product, run effi- ciently, meet regulatory requirements, look good, hit cost targets, and improve environmental outcomes. Cost pres- sures from materials, labor, energy, freight, compliance, and testing make those trade-offs even harder. Innovation will play an important role, especially in recyclable shrink sleeves, wash-off adhesives, lightweight materials, im- proved sortation, and better data systems. Many light-sensitive products, including dairy, bever- age, nutraceutical, and personal care have traditionally re- lied on white or colored PET packaging to protect product quality. New light-blocking sleeve technologies are help- ing brands move to recyclable clear PET while maintaining light protection, shelf appeal, and product integrity. Technologies like Brook + Whittle’s GreenLabel Block- Out™ block up to 99 percent of light while keeping con- tainers clear and recyclable. The sleeves sort as PET and are fully recycling compatible. This approach has received APR Design for Recyclability Recognition, as well as How- 2Recycle pre-qualification as widely recyclable on eligible clear PET bottles. This demonstrates how innovation can balance product protection with sustainability objectives. Sustainable packaging has become a normal part of packaging development rather than a separate conversa- tion. Design-for-recycling principles are built in from the start. EPR and eco-modulation will push companies to bet- ter understand the packaging they put into the market. Re- cycled content, smart packaging, and data transparency will continue to grow.
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