LabelTalk 2 MCC Verstraete Dec 2023

EN

LabelTalk Issue 2

Dear reader, We are thrilled to present the latest edition of LabelTalk, a publication brought to life by the collaborative efforts of our passionate team, customers and industry experts who continuously drive the evolution of In Mold Labeling (IML).

The landscape we are navigating in is changing drastically and the challenges ahead of us are unprecedented. We are taking our responsibility. We decided to help shaping the future rather than to watch from the sideline, and this in the interest of all our stakeholders.

We are committed to bringing innovative solutions to the market that improve recyclability; moving step by step towards closed loop systems. Let this be an invitation to partner with us to develop solutions that work for you!

Reading LabelTalk, you’ll embark on an insightful journey, uncovering future trends, invaluable insights, and remarkable success stories that are reshaping the IML landscape. We shed light on emerging technologies and sustainability initiatives that are shaping the future of packaging.

As you explore LabelTalk’s pages, we hope you’ll be inspired by the boundless possibilities of In Mold Labeling. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of creativity, sustainability, and excellence in labeling and packaging. Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey of discovery.

With dedication and innovation, Peter Grugeon President MCC Global IML

Visit our website iml.mcclabel.com to discover more on how our premium IML label solutions can meet your needs.

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In this issue 10

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Labeled with Care

Overcoming label printing challenges for medical applications

Light Barrier IML keeps Daisy Dips fresh

Navigating packaging’s future

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The whole is greater than the sum of its parts

20 MCC Verstraete US celebrates 5 years

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Your knowledge hub for everything IML

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Get to know our plants

24 Brand owners and recyclers finally get the best of both worlds. But is it enough?

10 Labeled with Care 14 Sustainability & IML: fact or fiction?

16 When matching brand colours is crucial, IML steps in 18 Overcoming label printing challenges for medical applications

34 Molded Fiber LabelingTM 35 60 years of operations in Melbourne!

36 Navigating packaging’s future

27 Take part in shaping the future of plastic packaging!

40 A sleek, professional finish with IML for Vida is life

28 Dairy packaging in the US: the rise of IML

42 Behind the scenes 48 Meet the team!

30 Light Barrier IML keeps Daisy Dips fresh 32 Sustainable MFLTM decorated apple containers

The LabelTalk magazine is a yearly MCC publication, focused on a specific market segment. It is a compilation of what we accomplish for and together with our customers on a daily basis. It covers international success stories as well as the latest and greatest news about innovative label solutions, market trends and unique services we offer.

We love to share our knowledge and experiences to help meeting our customers’ needs and supporting their business growth ! Share yours? Mail marketing@mcclabel.com Copyright © by MCC. All rights reserved. The content of this document, including all copy, images, and attachment(s) are property of MCC and should be treated as confidential. It cannot be shared with or forwarded to third parties and cannot be published without MCC’s prior permission. If you have any questions regarding the use of this document, please email marketing@mcclabel.com.

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Corporate news

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts April 3, 2023. A wave of shock flows through the IML industry when MCC Verstraete and Türkiye based Korsini announce to join forces.

Six months later, another earthquake when the acquisition of Greece based Karydakis IML is being announced.

Once the storm of surprise dies down, it’s recognized that the rearranged puzzle is a future-proof, logic next step for the future of the involved companies. We had a talk with Peter Grugeon, President of the Business Unit IML within MCC, Enrico Corsini, MCC Korsini’s Managing Director, and Giorgos Karydakis, Managing Director of MCC Karydakis.

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What was the main reason for your companies to join forces?

Enrico Corsini: Korsini was looking for a partnership that brought a mutual benefit and that could strengthen our position for the future. At the same time, we wanted to keep the benefits of our own legacy and identity.

MCC was the right fit to make this happen.

Giorgos Karydakis: Collaborating with MCC Verstraete expands our IML expertise and prepares us in the best way possible for the challenges the packaging industry is facing by collectively bringing new, sustainable and future-proof solutions to the market.

Peter Grugeon: Korsini and Karydakis were missing parts of the puzzle, so to speak. In developing our worldwide activities the acquisitions will allow us a better entry to the Asian market, while also completing our position on the European and South African market, where we all have strong presence.

But geographical presence of course isn’t the only motivation. Our customer are. We can now offer them a broader product portfolio thanks to additional capabilities, we enlarge our capacity - which is great for our customer’s contingency planning – and the joint expertise of the three main players in IML will lead to further efficiency and innovation.

How did your business network react when they heard the news?

Peter: Obviously, for many customers, partners and suppliers the acquisitions came as a surprise. They didn’t expect two main players in IML to come together, let alone three. And we understand that reaction, we might feel worried as well when our suppliers would merge.

But, as in many cases, communication is key. We were very open towards customers during conversations about the acquisition. We explained the opportunities it brings: our extended product offering, stronger local presence, improvement in efficiency, and so on. Most of our customers now understand the logic and see the advantages.

You knew each other’s businesses from a competitive standpoint. Now that you are in the middle of the integration process and extensively sharing information, can you name a few things about the other company that struck you?

Enrico: To me, the level of software implementation and automation stand out on Verstraete side.

Not to mention, the internal innovation on operations and the automation of processes within different departments of the company. I’m convinced that implementing this in the Korsini plant as well will make it easier for us to increase our joint capacity. A big win in this integration!

Peter: Next to the product portfolio and additional capabilities (laminated IML, LED UV printing, …) I was surprised about the equipment and lay-out of Korsini and Karydakis’ plant and operations.

Also, our sales networks turn out to be very complimentary! Our customers really can rely on a strong, worldwide yet locally implemented team of IML experts!

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The strong suit of this partnership is that we create an even stronger organization, with skilled, experienced people across all departments.”

Giorgos Karydakis, Managing Director MCC Karydakis

Enrico: Indeed, the people in our both organizations is what makes this collaboration a success! Along the integration we saw a level of openness, confidence and cooperation between teams globally. Different teams welcoming each other, creating an inspiring environment. For us as leaders, this is the most important. And very energizing for the rest of this journey we embarked on!

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Corporate news

MCC’s IML business unit MCC Verstraete, MCC Korsini and MCC Karydakis together form Multi-Color Corporation’s IML business unit.

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Our customers will benefit a maximized level of service and product quality.”

Enrico Corsini, Managing Director MCC Korsini

How will this compatibility translate into the service and product offering?

Enrico: Our focus is to make it easy for our customers, by adopting a culture of continuous improvement. While we learn from each other, by implementing the best of both into our daily operations, our customers will benefit a maximized level of service and product quality.

Peter: In terms of products, and more specifically sustainable IML solutions, we have the most experienced team in our sector to work on bringing sustainable innovations even quicker to market.

Our combined strength will make sure our business partners stay ahead in the field.

Giorgos: The current state of the industry and its search for sustainable label solutions, needs a strong player to develop those solutions. Bringing expertise together is crucial. It’s not only happening on our side, by the way: consolidation is happening in other segments of our industry as well.

Peter: Nevertheless, despite our size, we want to stay close to all our customers and deliver unique service to big as well as smaller players.

Which opportunities do you think the future holds for IML in general?

Enrico: For PP packaging, IML is the only solution that ensures recyclability and automation in production efficiency. We believe IML is a growing business that will expand into new markets adopting IML applications – the medical segment to name one example. As a pioneer in the industry, we’ll try to lead the way by innovating and investing.

The PPWR legislation in Europe can be considered a challenge for the plastic packaging industry, and we all know it’s a matter of time until other parts of the world will follow. However, we see it as an opportunity given the future-proof solutions we have developed over recent years. We are ready!

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Peter is President of the IML Business Unit, reporting to Hassan Rmaile, CEO of MCC. Enrico Corsini continues to lead MCC Korsini, Giorgos Karydakis remains MCC Karydakis’ Managing Director.

Mathieu Nieuwenhuyse leads our entity in North-America and Adam Stephens does the same for our Australian operations.

Peter: IML is a separate business unit within MCC, as we have a distinct type of customer compared to other MCC units. We value the importance of local independence, as we feel it’s important to react quickly to customer needs. That’s why we don’t envision firm central steering for our different entities, but rather opt for entrepreneurs with local insights to lead the businesses.”

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I’m very happy Enrico and Giorgos stay on board.

Their expertise, knowledge and connections in IML will strengthen us in building out the future together.”

Peter Grugeon, President IML Business Unit

Your knowledge hub for everything IML Discover educational videos, whitepapers, magazines and more tools that help you grow and innovate your business.

Visit our knowledge center and become an IML expert yourself!

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Global reach

Get to know our plants

Maldegem & Ursel, Belgium Employees: 550 Founded: 1974 Presses: 19 Closed surface area: 19.592 m²(M) & 4.990 m²(U) Nice to know: CO2 neutral production of your IML labels!

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Batavia (OH), USA Employees: 131 / Founded: 2018 / Presses: 5 Closed surface area: 10.500 m² Nice to know: Celebrating 5 years in 2023!

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Athens, Greece Employees: 135 Founded: 1966 Presses: 5 Closed surface area: 8.836 m² Nice to know: The first IML label was printed in the year 2000!

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Izmir, Türkiye Employees: 392 Founded: 1902 Presses: 9 Closed surface area: 22.943 m² Nice to know: MCC Korsini is located in the Aegean Free Zone

Melbourne, Australia Employees: 88 Founded: 1963 Presses: 3 Closed surface area: 4.100 m² Nice to know: Formerly known as Herrods IML, celebrating 60 years in operation!

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Sustainability

In a constantly evolving industry, it’s important to maintain a sharp eye and continually adjust goals. Or rather, in the case of MCC, finetune.

Our mother company is launching a new sustainability strategy, and being the frontrunner in sustainable IML solutions, of course we want to know what this new strategy is about.

We sat down with Stijn Billiet, MCC’s Senior Director Global Sustainability and Nico Van de Walle, MCC Global IML’s Product and Circular Economy Manager, to talk about labeling the world with care.

We know the CARE strategy since its launch back in 2020. Can you tell us about MCC’s renewed sustainability strategy? What does it stand for, and how did it come about?

Stijn Billiet: Before ‘CARE’ was introduced in 2020, MCC’s sustainability strategy was very product-centric.

But of course, sustainability is more than only products.

The CARE strategy acknowledged that, including planet and operations aspects was well.

Over the past three years, a lot has changed within MCC. Sustainability and ESG gained more importance, and the growth of our company gave us new insights.

Sustainability for us has evolved from a mere product strategy to the growth pillar of the company, embodying continuous (sustainable) improvement.

‘Labeled with Care’ is the name of our updated sustainability strategy, but it’s more than that. It’s the way we do business.

Why was an update needed?

Acquiring label businesses around the world over the past few years, we gained knowledge that contributes to our vision on sustainability. Initiatives, projects, and strategies that have proven their worth, we wanted to keep and even improve.

We needed a new strategy aligning all entities within our group, over all departments and regions. Labeled with Care does that.

How is MCC translating the sustainability strategy into practice? What challenges do you experience when implementing the strategy into operations?

Labeled with Care is anchored by three pillars: People, Products, and Operations.

People We want to be the employer of choice, by focusing on diversity and inclusion, training and personal development of our employees, and appreciating every individual for their input.

In the very short term, we’ll conduct a global survey amongst our teams to get insights in our learning points.

This bottom-up info will allow us to map our priorities.

Of course, some topics are non-negotiable: safety, and diversity and inclusion, for example.

For local implementation, the connection with HR is indispensable.

Products The goal here is to offer our customers a clear portfolio that shows what we stand for. We’re introducing the CARE Collection, a portfolio of selected products that have a clear added value in terms of sustainability. The CARE collection is based on four categories, depending upon a customer’s goal.

Reducing impact is the first.

Think thinner labels, or barrier label solutions that prevent food waste.

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Sustainability

Supporting reuse is another.

Here we want to ensure that the applied label can withstand the washing process and stay on the container (e.g. Laminated IML) or be cleanly removed in that same process (e.g. reusable beer bottles).

Enabling recycling: this needs little explanation. A good example is NextCycle IML™ by MCC Verstraete, a fully decorated IML packaging that can be mechanically recycled without any impact of the IML label on the rPP. And Inclusion.

The braille PSL labels offered by MCC are a good example of inclusive labels.

Basically, Labeled with Care is a global vision that allows for local influences in its implementation. Our global sustainability team will be reinforced, which will facilitate the local connection.

Operational Here our main question is how we can operationalize sustainability. This is very much related to continuous improvement.

By organizing Kaizen events with local teams, we’re able to define KPI’s, areas of improvement, priorities, and so on. The first test track shows very promising results – this motivates us to introduce it in other parts of the world in 2024 as well.

Of course, it goes beyond operational departments though. Our internal support services like finance, purchasing, and even marketing are involved to maximize the way we do business sustainably.

Can you highlight any specific initiatives or projects that have been implemented or are currently underway?

Well, the CARE product portfolio is one example. But there are numerous projects that deserve a place in the spotlights here.

The seven MCC sites in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the Paarl plant in South-Africa, will be equipped with solar panels. This will make a huge difference for our greenhouse gas emissions and support the company goals.

Another example is the collaboration we have in Bangkok (Thailand) with customers and a local waste

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handler. The truck delivering the labels, picks up the glassine liner and brings it to the waste handler where it is processed and recycled into carton board and paper.

Which brings us to collaboration in general. By participating in initiatives such as the HolyGrail2.0 project or NextLOOPP, by sharing knowledge and exchanging insights, we as an industry can make sure we’re contributing to sustainable packaging the best way we can.

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By being in the front seat, we are able to make a difference.”

Stijn Billiet, Senior Director Global Sustainability at MCC

How do you track progress and ensure continuous improvement in sustainability performance? When do you consider the strategy a success?

We’re well aware that sustainability is a constantly evolving landscape. To make sure we stay on track, we engage in accreditation tracks such as the Science Based Target Initiative, EcoVadis, and so on.

My job will only be done when sustainability has permeated into each layer of our company, when sustainability is a given for every single associate.

Looking ahead, what future challenges do you anticipate in the sustainability space for the packaging industry?

Legislation, of course. Think of the PPWR in the EU and how that will impact packaging and labeling decisions.

But also, how can we, as an industry, advise on using the right material in the right place? In a world where the discussion often is about paper vs. plastic, where incomplete data is being used to make (false) claims, where there are no global yet local standards for packaging, how can we prove when the right materials are in the right place?

Apart from that, I’d prefer speaking about opportunities instead of challenges.

How is the IML business unit preparing to address these challenges and stay ahead of evolving sustainability trends?

Nico Van de Walle: First and foremost, we talk and listen to customers, brand owners, retailers, ...

We really want to know and understand what’s going on in the market and what each player’s specific

objectives are. Of course, acting proactively and being aware of upcoming legislation is a must if you want to be of added value in these conversations.

Based on this know-how, we determine a strategy for product innovation. With the right innovations, we’re future-proofing our existing business. NextCycle IMLTM is the perfect example, but there are also many opportunities for new applications or new markets. For these, too, we are making the necessary efforts: think of our SealPPeel die-cut lidding, Molded Fiber LabelingTM, or IML for PET packaging.

We’re really focusing on staying ahead of trends.

Collaboration and partnerships often play a crucial role in driving sustainability initiatives. Can we highlight some recent collaborations and how they contribute to the overall sustainability strategy?

Indeed, partnerships and teamwork are key to ultimately achieving sustainability targets.

The sorting of plastic packaging waste still is one major pain point. The current NIR sorting machines will never be able to deliver the correct and sufficient feedstock to recyclers to achieve a circular economy.

There is an urgent need for intelligent sorting solutions.

Fortunately, there are several initiatives and crossvalue chain projects working on this. For example, there is HolyGrail2.0 based on different types of digital watermarks, AI and the use of fluorescent pigments.

To us, it doesn’t matter which technology gains the upper hand -in fact it should not be a competition- the important thing is that brand owners and retailers have one or, preferably, several solutions to get their packaging sorted out intelligently. For MCC it is important that we are ready to support our customers

and provide solutions, regardless of the chosen technology. Hence, we are closely involved and actively participating in these various projects.

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It should not be a competition. The important thing is that brand owners and retailers have one, preferably several solutions to get their packaging sorted out intelligently.”

Nico Van de Walle, Product and Circular Economy Manager Global IML

A second pain point is the limited availability of foodgrade rPP. By working on solutions for intelligent sorting and by developing NextCycle IMLTM, we are rolling out the red carpet for mechanical recycling of foodgrade rPP. Only, this also requires new breakthrough technology in the field of recycling. Here, too, we are joining forces with customers, partners and organizations.

For example, by partnering up with NextLOOPP we play an active role in finding solutions for both sorting out and mechanical recycling of food-grade rPP. We’re also running tests with recyclers and customers to maximize the potential of NextCycle IMLTM.

Sustainability

Sustainability & IML: fact or fiction?

Sustainable (plastic) packaging is a tradeoff between recyclability and decoration Everyone working in packaging design knows how hard it is to balance sustainability aspects with shelf appeal. The marketing department and the packaging R&D team simply have different goals and agendas, which often leads to an animated negotiation about recyclability vs. packaging decoration.

However, for PP packaging we are changing the game. With NextCycle IMLTM, our latest IML technology, gone is the trade-off between recyclability and decoration. Thanks to the high-quality off-set printing technique and the revolutionary recycling features of NextCycle IMLTM, your brand benefits the best of both worlds.

68% would be open to switching from a brand that they’re typically loyal to in order to purchase another brand because it offers sustainable packaging A 2022 study by Shorr packaging corp. among 1.113 US respondents aged 18 and over, showed that 68% would switch brands to buy the same product, but in (more) sustainable packaging. Another striking number from that same study: 77% of the consumers surveyed expect more brands and retailers to offer 100% sustainable packaging for their products in the near future.

Make sure you remain the preferred brand, make work of your sustainable packaging!

Source: shorr.com/resources/blog/the-2022sustainable-packaging-consumer-report/

Polypropylene packaging can be recycled 100% When a PP packaging is decorated with a PP IML label, the pack becomes mono-material.

After use, a mono-material packaging can be easily sorted at home by the consumer as there’s no need to separate the label from the container. Once the packaging has been sorted correctly, the way is paved for efficient recycling, and for a circular economy for PP packaging!

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About 50% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging By using a hybrid packaging (plastic + cardboard) I’m using less (plastic) packaging material A multi-material packaging like the combination of plastic and cardboard might look as a more sustainable solution because less plastic is used, but in fact, the opposite is true.

Most consumers will not remove the cardboard wrapper when discarding the empty pack, resulting in issues when sorting this type of plastic packaging waste. Even so when the cardboard wrapper is supposed to separate automatically, the sorting yield is much lower and a lot of valuable material that won’t be recycled, gets lost.

Looking at the NET balance (the initial amount of packaging material deducted by the recycled % of that packaging material) one will see that in fact in the long run, more virgin packaging material is required compared to mono-material plastic packaging.

About half of US consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging: across different end-use areas, about 50 percent of consumers are willing to pay 1 to 3 percent more, 25 percent are willing to pay 4 to 7 percent more, and about 12 percent are willing to pay 7 to 10 percent more. In each category, 4 to 7 percent of surveyed consumers said they are willing to pay a significantly higher premium than 10 percent. This was found in a study by McKinsey & Company, and mentioned in the online article ‘Sustainability in Packaging: US survey insights’ published April 26, 2023.

Source: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/ paper-forest-products-and-packaging/our-insights/ sustainability-in-packaging-us-survey-insights

Request your NextCycle IML inspiration box and find out everything about this game changing IML technology.

Sustainable packaging has a higher price tag While the upfront costs of sustainable packaging material may be more expensive than non-sustainable materials, you will save a lot more in the long run. This is due to reduced waste management fees and incentives from suppliers or local municipalities – making ecofriendly packaging cheaper than traditional options.

Also, there may be grants from local governments or other organizations that offset some expenses for businesses looking for more sustainable ways to package their products.

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Customer story

When matching brand colours is crucial, IML steps in

Disruptive. Bold. Generous. RAMONA’S Heavenly Houmous is making a statement in the houmous shelf by doing the unexpected.

Not only does the finger licking recipe take you back to the roots of founder Ramona Hazan, but it is also sold in big containers dressed in eye-catching colours. In search of a cost-effective, high-quality decoration technique for her packaging, Ramona turned to IML.

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The bursting colours are crucial for our brand identity.

They are linked to happiness, brightness, and generosity.

We revamped the label design this year and really wanted to aim at consistency.”

Ramona Hazan, Founder of RAMONA’S

Not your average houmous By introducing RAMONA’S Heavenly Houmous, Ramona Hazan wanted to share the food experience from her childhood with the world. “I grew up with traditional, generous Mediterranean food. None of the houmous available in the supermarket came close to my grandparents’ recipe,” says Ramona.

“It seems like a bastardization of the product was happening: houmous recipes without personality where every brand chooses the same basic packaging. Not us at RAMONA’S. We’re going for generous, high-quality and boldness,” says Ramona. By using an authentic recipe, selling the houmous in a 500g pot and making the product stand out on shelf, RAMONA’S emphasizes the versatility of the product and the tradition of eating in good company.

In mould labels: cost-effective and perfectly applied There was a time when the Heavenly Houmous containers were decorated with self-adhesive labels.

But soon, they addressed their packaging partner Innavisions Ltd., importer of DECA Packaging for the UK, and opted for in mould labeling.

“When we started as a small business, we did not have the capacity to invest in extra people or machinery for the decoration of our containers. So, turning to IML made perfect sense: it’s an absolutely cost-effective way of getting perfectly applied labels,” Ramona comments.

Now that the company has grown, it’s more about the perfection of colour and application – two crucial factors for the brand. “We want perfection. The IML labels provided by MCC Verstraete guarantee us the aesthetics and boldness that are so unique to our brand.”

Spot-on spot colours Market research and consumer conversations show that brand recognition has skyrocketed and that consumers love RAMONA’S. To that extent, the brand was recently declared UK’s number one own houmous brand!

Needless to say, an important aspect during the label printing process was the exact matching of RAMONA’S brand colours. So crucial, that Ramona and the DECA team visited MCC Verstraete for an in-person sign off of the label printing.

“We never experienced issues in processing the labels. The main focus we had was the maintenance and consistency of the key colours. The MCC Verstraete team did a fantastic job matching the colours that make RAMONA’S so unique,” says Eveline Verhenne, IML Specialist at DECA Packaging.

The vibrant colours used by RAMONA’S indeed were a challenge. “Fluorescent colours are notoriously difficult to reproduce with stability over several production runs. That’s why our ink team came up with specifically designed spot colours, making it possible to combine consistency with the vibrancy Ramona was looking for.

The end result is something we are particularly proud of,” says Eva Andries, internal sales representative at MCC Verstraete.

A winning team Collaborating with partners that are passionate about their product, whether it is houmous, packaging or in mould labels, always pays off. A close partnership, sharing experience and open communication make the IML-decorated packaging for RAMONA’S Heavenly Houmous a hit on shelf.

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Medical IML

Overcoming label printing challenges for medical applications Pioneering Solutions

In the medical industry, accuracy, compliance, and adherence to stringent regulations are paramount. In this article, we focus on three key challenges faced in printing labels for the medical sector: Print-to-Cut precision, Clean Room Requirements, and High Number of Cavities.

On top of that, we explore the innovative strategies employed to overcome them. By investing in advanced technology, fostering strategic collaborations, and developing unique solutions, our Medical IML solution is revolutionizing label printing for the medical industry.

Print-to-Cut Precision When it comes to scaling, precise print-to-cut positioning of the image on the label is critical. Maintaining a minimal variation between the printed image and the cut ensures that labels fit flawlessly onto medical products, optimizing functionality and appearance. To address this requirement, MCC Verstraete has invested in state-of-theart technology.

In addition to a limited print-to-cut variation, meticulous positioning of the labels within the magazine, on dummy cores, or in the molds, also plays a pivotal role in streamlining the labeling process. By harnessing our own technologies and leveraging relationships with

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industry experts, we offer customers a working solution that guarantees accuracy as well as efficiency in this one-step process.

Clean Room Requirements Clean room requirements pose a significant challenge in the medical industry, where maintaining product safety and integrity is of utmost importance.

Each project presents distinct needs, requiring tailored and compliant labeling solutions. MCC’s adaptability ensures that the medical industry can adhere to regulatory standards while providing innovative labeling options.

Image: KEBO AG

High Numbers of Cavities Injecting labels into a high number of cavities poses a substantial challenge, especially in the medical field.

Overcoming this hurdle demands strong partnerships and turnkey solutions. Collaborations with industry experts in mold design, machinery, vision inspection systems, and automation enable companies to optimize the label injection process.

By pooling resources and expertise, we can tackle the complexities associated with high cavity counts, offering efficient and reliable label printing solutions to medical customers.

Medical IML for your medical project Achieving print to cut precision, complying with clean room requirements, and addressing high cavity counts are vital aspects of medical label printing. By investing in cutting-edge technology, collaborating with industry experts, and customizing packaging solutions, together with our Medical IML partners we are revolutionizing label printing for the medical field. These efforts ensure accurate labeling, regulatory compliance, and efficient injection processes.

As the industry continues to evolve, advancements in label printing will drive progress, meeting the dynamic needs of the medical sector and elevating patient safety and satisfaction to new heights.

Key Takeaways Challenges for Medical IML & how MCC Verstraete overcomes them: • Print-to-Cut Precision: Achieving Impeccable Scaling thanks to cutting-edge technology • Clean Room Requirements: IML already is a good option, but customized packaging solutions are sometimes needed • High Number of Cavities: Collaborative Turnkey Solutions thanks to collaboration with Arburg, Beck, Kebo and Intravis.

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Anniversary

MCC Verstraete US celebrates 5 years Earlier this year, our team in Batavia (Ohio, US) celebrated the fifth anniversary of MCC Verstraete US. This is an important milestone in the history of our company and worth a chat with the people that were there from very the beginning. Together with Mathieu Nieuwenhuyse, Managing Director for the Americas, we let two of our ‘founding team members’ do the talking.

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From 5 to 131 “Pre-production, we started with a team of about five people. In fact, I was the first person to get hired for MCC Verstraete US. I was working as the Lithographic Operations Manager at MCC’s Batavia plant less than a mile away from the new Verstraete plant location.

Koen Verstraete, the former managing director, spoke with me about the opportunity to help start this new plant. His ideals on culture and structure really aligned with mine, and I was happy and excited to accept the offer. Since then, it has been a whirlwind of growth and new challenges, making it an exciting time to work for MCC Verstraete,” John Northlich, Plant Manager since day one at our US plant.

Shortly after, Lily Engle came on board. “I didn’t hesitate when the opportunity came along. Indeed, Koen’s vision triggered curiosity and next to that, the job as Production Administrator really spoke to me.

The fact that I speak Dutch, turned out to be a nice-tohave when connecting with our colleagues in Belgium,” Lily Engle adds.

In those early days, the focus for MCC Verstraete US was to build a well-trained, skilled team that could soon work independently from the Belgian plant in order to serve the North-American market smoothly.

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The six hour time difference was a challenge in the beginning. As we grew more autonomous, the impact of different time zones became negligible.”

Lily Engle, Production Administrator at MCC Verstraete US

Fun fact Nine of the original seventeen team members that started on the first day of production came from the Batavia plant, twelve of the original seventeen - including all nine Batavia employees are still with us today!

Group picture of MCC Verstraete US team

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Anniversary

Today, the MCC Verstraete US team is 131 people.

“We were excited to hit the 60 employee mark. Now, we already doubled that! Growing our team also meant growing our organizational structure. After three years, we appointed team coaches to lead our production. And we had colleagues joining us on support level, such as HR and internal sales,” Lily looks back.

Growing pains The infrastructure that existed when Lily and John started their jobs at MCC Verstraete doesn’t even compare to the facility that’s built out today. “A lot of work needed to be done to the building. We really started from scratch cleaning everything up. We had an epoxy floor installed and we took care of a nice, clean environment for our associates to work in. All while facing the challenges every new company faces: such as hiring the right people, making sure our staff can work safely, and even getting negotiations for the uniforms going,” John reminisces.

“Finding the right people indeed was (and remains) the number one challenge,” Lily continues. We want to deliver top notch labels to our customers, which

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translates into high quality standards for our associates as well. We offer a lot of education and training to make them excel in what they do. When hiring, next to skillset we look for people who embody our FLOW values: Flexibility, Learning Capacity, Open Communication and Working in Team.”

Printing capacity “In terms of equipment, we started off in 2018 with one 6-color press, two rotaries, and two TXRs. Since 2018, every year we added on. By the time this magazine is launched, we will have five active production lines,” says John.

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Our 2025 objective is to have 85% of the local needs produced in the US.” Mathieu Nieuwenhuyse, Managing Director MCC Verstraete Americas

“It’s safe to say that we grew together with the market and our customers. Local production is essential to a lot of US businesses. Considering foreseen investments and the order volumes for the North American market we pull in from Belgium, our 2025 objective is to have 85% of the local needs produced in the US,” says Mathieu Nieuwenhuyse, Managing Director for the Americas at MCC Verstraete.

And what about the next 5 years?

MCC Verstraete US’ goal is to…

• Remain the preferred partner for its customers in the Americas • Up the capacity in the Batavia plant • Grow sustainably, together with its market and customers, while never compromising on safety and quality

“

We want to be the best of the best. Quality comes first.”

John Northlich, Plant Manager at MCC Verstraete US

What sets us apart When asked what sets MCC Verstraete US apart from other companies in the industry, the answer is threefold.

According to John, it’s the attention to detail: “We want to be the best of the best. Because we are specialized in one product and one printing technique, we can pay attention to details in everything we do. Quality comes first.”

“Next to that, I would add our company culture. We mentioned FLOW already, be it’s so much more than that. It’s a story about getting things done together, as a team. Our employees really have a say and that makes them care about our business and our product,” Lily adds.

Mathieu continues: “Can we also mention the environment we work in? When customers or partners visit our plant, they almost can’t believe we print labels here. It’s so clean, well-conditioned and bright. Once they witness how skilled their product is being handled by our associates, their satisfaction only grows.”

Connecting with each other, inevitably leads to cultural differences emerging. “As a Belgian in the US, I still regularly need to explain myself in the lunchroom when I say mayonnaise on French fries is standard. But I was able to convince some colleagues into trying it and hey – they like it,” chuckles Mathieu.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to pronounce certain Belgian names,” says John. “They get lost in translation.

Also: where are the pick-up trucks in Belgium? You don’t see those around!”

“Talking about traffic: in Belgium you can’t turn on red traffic lights. Some did do that when they were over there for training. Oops!” Lily adds laughing.

Big steps Started in 2021 at MCC Verstraete US, Mathieu looks back at 2 years of change and challenges: “I think growth is the right word to describe MCC Verstraete US. Growth for everybody involved: the company as such, our employees, and our customers.

Over the past two years we took big steps in becoming more autonomous, growing sales presence and production support. This only has strengthened our team.

And when I say ‘team’, I really mean ‘family’.

A family that embodies a welcoming, openminded and ever improving culture.”

It’s a culture thing…

There’s a strong connection between the teams in Belgium and the US. “We had Belgian support when starting things off five years ago, and very often we have Belgian colleagues flying in for on-site training and education of our associates. And vice-versa,” says Lily.

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Recycling

Brand owners and recyclers finally get the best of both worlds.

But is it enough?

A contribution by Professor Edward Kosior of Nextek and NEXTLOOPP

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Friday, July 28 marked 2023’s Global Plastic Overshoot Day. The day, announced for the first time, highlights the point at which global waste management systems can no longer handle plastic materials effectively.

With short-life plastic production slated to reach 159 million metric tons in 2023, the food packaging sector is one industry that can no longer afford to maintain business as usual.

According to Swiss-based research consultancy Earth Action, plastic production has increased 20 times more rapidly than the recycling capacity over the past ten years.

Over the years I have highlighted both the challenges and the potential of food packaging - particularly Polypropylene (PP) pots, tubs and trays, and those who know me will be clear about my position on closing the loop on post-consumer food-grade recycled PP.

Who is Edward Kosior?

Edward Kosior has been active as an innovator in polymer technology for the past 40 years both within universities, recycling enterprises and as Founder and Managing Director of Nextek Ltd, which has offices in UK, Australia and India.

“

We have been exploring the most environmentally friendly ways to achieve the best of both worlds, packaging that is simpler to recycle and that enables brand owners to retain their distinctive branding cues. And the good news is that we are succeeding.”

Prof. Edward Kosior

He holds several patents for the recycling plastics and been instrumental in the introduction of recycled plastics into food packaging in Europe and Australia (PET, HDPE and PP).

His goals are to help preserve and improve the natural environment through novel technologies that reduce waste generation and increase the closed loop economy that promotes high efficiencies in the use of limited resources and truly sustainable materials.

As anyone familiar with packaging will know IMLs offer high quality branding. To date the best scenarios have been to recycle IMLs to lower value products, which does nothing to reduce our reliance on using virgin PP for food-grade packaging.

The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) recently proposed a series of concrete practices, market shifts, and legislation to achieve an 80 percent reduction in global plastic pollution by 2040 - but the hard truth is that none of their suggestions will be achievable without disrupting an industry that has long-standing and costefficient practices that did not take CO2 emissions into account.

NextCycle IMLTM labels allow for automatic detachment and removal during conventional mechanical recycling processes and consist of an adhesive-free, fully printed (with non-bleeding inks) PP label that separates from the PP containers at the grinding and air elutriation stages. This unique technology readily separates printed label flakes from natural PP container flakes thereby eliminating the risk of ink and decoration contamination.

So whilst brand owners dig their heels in about proposed packaging design changes to enhance the sustainability of their packs, we have been exploring the most environmentally friendly ways to achieve the best of both worlds, packaging that is simpler to recycle and that enables brand owners to retain their distinctive branding cues.

The next step to simplifying and enhancing the recycling process required upgrading the sorting. For this we used PolyPPRISM - a simple yet highly effective technology to sort packaging using luminescent materials encoded on these IMLs.

And the good news is that we are succeeding.

We recently trialed applying our unique PolyPPRISMTM technology with MCC Verstraete’s new generation in mold label (IML) NextCycle IMLTM.

PolyPPRISM’s cutting-edge fluorescent markers act as an invisible barcode for plastics recycling that allows automatic sorting machinery to make additional decisions about special features of a package that goes further than the identification of the polymer.

By applying these markers to MCC Verstraete’s new

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Recycling

generation in mold labels we wanted to test the viability of an innovative pack decoration system that would satisfy both brand owners’ and recyclers’ requirements of having a fully decorated pack that still yields an unpigmented PP resin.

labels is very straight forward as it involves the use of conventional printing of labels and sleeves. The sorting centres only require an upgrade of a UV light source and a software upgrade to identify the codes on the packaging.

As a lead-up to demonstrating this at commercial scale the NEXTLOOPP team trialed these at TOMRA in Germany, using TOMRA’s AUTOSORT™ unit, FLYING BEAM™, with integrated UV illumination.

Once these two elements are in place the separation from food and non-food packaging could be achieved at full sorting speeds.

Direct spectophotometric measurements analysed the strength of the fluorescent emissions to ensure that there was sufficient fluorescent signal to provide the highlyeffective sorting of food-grade labelled packs.

These internal trials resulted in 100 percent purity and 100 percent yield, a resounding success that propels the NEXTLOOPP project a step closer to their goal of producing high-quality recycled food-grade polypropylene (FGrPP).

This innovative technology means brands can have fully decorated IML containers that are used over natural PP substrates that will provide a separate stream of natural PP free from print and label residues.

However, for this system to have a meaningful impact on the industry’s carbon footprint requires adoption from a wide range of brand owners and convertors. Nothing will be achieved if we maintain disparate sorting and recycling processes. To gain traction we must embrace a universal system for separating food-grade from nonfood grade packages.

Our suggested technologies require very little cost of system changes, in fact the preparation of the

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Ultimately it is down to brand owners and packaging convertors to make the commitment to creating a circular destination for their packaging so that the materials can stay in the loop for their products rather than being down-graded into non-packaging applications.

Achieving this is simultaneously the biggest, yet simplest challenge.

“

The technology exists, it is the will-power and commitment from those who make the final decisions we now need.”

For more information on Nextek and NextLOOPP, visit: nextek.org and nextloopp.com

Take part in shaping the future of plastic packaging!

Discover NextCycle IMLTM • Mono-material, zero waste • No trade-off shelf appeal vs. recyclability • Enables food-grade rPP • RecyClass approved

Request your inspiration box

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Trend article

Dairy packaging in the US: the rise of IML In the US market, a growing number of dairy packaging is decorated with in mold labels. While the technology is still quite new for dairy products, IML offers a number of benefits that fit this market segment like a glove. No wonder that brand owners who have hopped on the IML trend early, now reap the rewards of their decision and see a rise in consumer engagement and sales.

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Key takeaways IML grows in popularity Mapping out the different label technologies commonly used for dairy products, a good chunk is decorated with direct print. To no surprise, as direct printing is an ideal low-cost solution for standardized tubs. Second in line are sleeves. These have the same capabilities as direct print, but are higher in cost and fit for 3D-shaped packaging.

However, customization and premiumization are upcoming for the US market. Brands want to stand out on shelf more to attract consumers, and that is reflected in the label technology used. Enter: in mold labeling and its numerous look and feel options.

A lot of IML label upgrades fit the dairy market: barrier protection (for fresh milk products, spreads and fresh cheeses that are sensitive to the influence of oxygen or light), metallic or varnish effects for graphic elements, inspection friendly capabilities for detection purposes at the production lines, etc.

Next to the decorative and functional advantages of IML, sustainability is another reason for dairy brand owners to switch to IML. Using in mold labels on their PP tubs, makes the package mono-material and thus easier to recycle.

But this is not all. A driver of a complete different nature has also contributed to the growth of IML. Injection molders have been coping with a very difficult labor market. The automated process of injection molding just was a logical solution to keep their businesses going.

Switching from another label technology to IML Our year-long experience in the IML market, and more recently in IML for dairy packaging, shows that the process of switching to IML from another label technology roughly is a 3-stage journey.

At first, brands will adopt IML and use it to mimic the ‘old’ label solution, like direct printing. No extra features are explored yet and the artwork mainly remains the same, waiting for the consumer’s reaction to the updated packaging.

The second stage is when they start optimizing the artwork. Offset printing allows for much higher quality, so the design can be more detailed, the number of colors can be adjusted, … These are all elements that help the artwork to come to life allowing high quality images.

Going for premiumization is the final step. This is the part where the look and feel elements come to play and where the artwork gets a make-over in order to make an impact on shelf. Think: certain design or brand elements that get highlighted using a metallic finish, or a spot varnish to create texture.

Other options are adding interactive properties, allowing not only for consumer engagement (via AR, gamification, etc.) but also have their worth in other parts of the supply chain. Digital Watermarks for example, used in Interactive IML, can be used for track & tracing, antimixing at the production lines, all the way through POS

• The dairy packaging market centers around reliability

• IML offers options for customization and premiumization

• Mono-material IML-packaging facilitates the sorting and recycling process

(interaction), consumer usability (faster check out), and end of use (facilitating the sorting process).

IML as the sustainable choice for dairy packaging As mentioned higher in this article, sustainability is one of the reasons for brand owners to switch to IML decorated packaging.

Adding properties like barrier protection can increase the shelf life of dairy products, helping to prevent food waste. Looking to downsize the amount of plastic in your packaging? IML also allows for light weighting.

A polypropylene tub decorated with an IML label, is 100% made of the same material (mono-material). This significantly facilitates the sorting process for the consumer at home, as he no longer needs to separate the different materials. But also at the recycler’s level, a mono-material packaging gets recycled more accurately compared to hybrid packaging.

The newest label technologies like NextCycle IMLTM are specifically designed for the mechanical recycling process, paving the way for high-purity rPP. We’re dreaming of a world where NextCycle IMLTM packaging gets combined with SealPPeel PP die-cut lidding. This would allow for even more accurate sorting and recycling, as the combination of a PP tub and a PP lid really is a 100% mono-material pack.

Did you know?

The MCC Verstraete plant in Batavia (OH, USA) produces IML labels specifically for the US market. In Belgium and Turkey, your labels are produced CO2 neutral. We’re targeting carbon neutrality our other plants in the US, Greece, and Australia as well!

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Customer story

Light Barrier IML keeps Daisy Dips fresh

Daisy holds high standards when it comes to freshness, quality, taste and shelf life.

The brand is known for its ‘Pure & Natural’ spirit, meaning its dips should be free from stabilizers, preservatives, added MSG (monosodium glutamate) and non-dairy allergens. How does Daisy balance exceptional freshness with a long shelf life?

Easy enough with Barrier IML labels!

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Pure ingredients as a differentiator Daisy is the leading sour cream and cottage cheese manufacturer in the United States, producing fresh, preservative-free products that are consistently named “America’s Favorite*”.

Reason behind the brand’s success undoubtedly is its dedication to pure ingredients with no preservatives, making for great-tasting products and setting the brand apart from others. To maintain its so unique freshness, and to improve shelf life, Daisy opted for PP packaging decorated with IML labels with a barrier function.

Light Barrier IML for extended shelf life Daisy’s dips are sensitive to the influence of light. With Light Barrier IML, the product inside is protected from sunlight and UV light, extending the shelf life.

Barrier IML is the most efficient and sustainable technique to produce plastic packaging with a barrier function. In one single step, using a multi-layered IML film, we can combine the advantages of high-quality IML decoration with a barrier function.

Premium look The offset printing process of Barrier IML labels allows for high-quality graphics. But Daisy doesn’t stop there.

To really create consumer engagement, the packaging has a touch of Metallic IML to it, reflecting the product’s superior taste and ingredients and giving it its wellknown premium look.

To top it all off, spot varnish is used to create a dimensional look for the container. The combination of 3 IML label upgrades each adding a unique value, makes this packaging commercially successful and an eye-catcher in the dairy segment.

Key takeaways • Light Barrier IML protects the fresh product against sunlight and UV-light • Metallic IML and spot varnish make the packaging stand out on shelf • Barrier IML is the most efficient and sustainable technique to produce plastic packaging with a barrier function

Project details Brand owner: Daisy Brand Product molder: Polytainers *Claim based on IRI Multi-Outlet Volume Sales 52-week data ending 2023

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Success story

Sustainable MFL decorated apple containers

TM

Being an organic, sustainable brand, Ela’s Apples will soon be offering consumers something they have never had before — the promise of superior tasting apples with every purchase. Given the quality of their fruit and their commitment to a consistently great eating experience, protecting their apples from harvest to consumption was of high importance. Doing so with plastic free and home compostable packaging, however, was of extreme importance to their mission.

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In collaboration with Tek Pak, they developed a special fiber blend for their containers, combining waste from apple processing (mostly apple skins) and wood fiber.

Aiming to keep their packaging mono-material and plastic free, they turned to Molded Fiber Labeling™ for the decoration of the fiber containers.

Versatile and sustainable packaging solution Molded fiber packaging is a versatile and sustainable solution that is finding applications beyond its traditional use in safeguarding items such as egg crates, trays, and electronics. Its biodegradability, protective properties, and customization options make it an attractive choice for companies and FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) brands aiming to align with environmentally-conscious trends while delivering quality packaging for their products.

The fiber packaging business is growing exponentially. “North America, five-year forecast, is to have a 6.1% increase by 2024 over 2019 fiber packaging needs as part of the global fiber market expansion expected to grow to $5.4 billion,” according to Tek Pak.

Introducing Molded Fiber LabelingTM As this packaging technology deserves a sustainable decoration method, the team at MCC Verstraete developed Molded Fiber Labeling™. MFL™ labels make fiber molded packaging mono-material, 100% recyclable and compostable.

A perfect fit for Ela’s Apples, a Washington based organic apple brand with a clear mission of organic cultivation and sustainability from farm to table.

“We walk our talk. And we wanted to differentiate ourselves from other apple brands in the grocery

stores. Molded Fiber Labeling™ makes our unique fiber molded packaging mono-material, 100% recyclable and compostable. We couldn’t be more happy with how our packaging turned out,” says Adam Brazg at Ela’s Apples.

Textbook example Ela’s Apples molded fiber containers decorated with MFL labels™ are a textbook example of how organic brands that want an innovative approach to their packaging, can find resort in in-mold decoration.

Key takeaways • Molded Fiber packaging is making waves in new packaging markets • Molded Fiber Labeling™ makes fiber molded packaging mono-material, 100% recyclable, and (industrial and home) compostable.

Project details Brand owner: Ela’s Apples Product molder: Tek Pak. Tek Pak is also responsible for the design, fiber package prototyping and tooling.

Automation partner: Pagès Group

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Molded Fiber LabelingTM A unique, sustainable paper label to decorate fiber molded packaging.

• Maximum print quality • Mono-material • Glue free • Wet or Dry Fiber Molded Packaging • Flexible supply chain

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Request your inspiration box

Anniversary

60 years of operations in Melbourne!

MCC Verstraete Australia this year celebrates 60 years of operations!

Until 2022, the year it joined MCC, our Melbourne-based plant carried the name referring to the family that once started the company back in 1963. Time for a dive into the rich and proud history of MCC Verstraete Australia. Let’s rewind, all the way back to 1963!

1963 A small beginning All great ideas have small beginnings, and that was the case with Herrods IML. John Herrod, along with his wife Adrienne, created the company John Herrod and Associates. Their story started in a very small office in South Melbourne. Full of ambition and a lot of drive, they laid the building blocks to what the company has become today.

1976-1982 It’s a family thing Following in their parent’s footsteps, Michael and Paul Herrod officially join the family business. They share the passion for the printing industry and their vision of the company.

1989 New location, same company 25 years after its founding, the company has grown so rapidly that additional capacity and production space is required. The company moves to a new plant at 46 Lexton Road Box Hill, Melbourne.

2002 Focus on IML A new chapter was started by the first IML job. From then on, the focus of the company switched almost exclusively to producing IML Labels.

2020 New name At the start of 2020, the company’s name and branding switched from John Herrods and Associates to Herrods IML. 2022 Joining forces, the start of a great journey Herrods IML begins an exciting new era after becoming part of Multi-Color Corporation (MCC), the world’s largest label company. MCC Verstraete Australia is born.

With the new name, but the same dedicated team, the company secures their already strong market position on a global and local level.

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Packaging trends

Navigating packaging’s future: A conversation on trends, innovation, and sustainability

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We recently sat down with packaging trend expert Paul Jenkins from ThePackHub for a wide-ranging discussion on packaging trends, innovation, and sustainability. With his 30+ years of experience in the industry, Paul offered his expert insights into the key drivers in the packaging sector during these times of immense change.

What are the top trends you think will shape the packaging landscape in 2024 and beyond?

In 2024, the packaging landscape will be shaped by three prominent trends. Firstly, recycling initiatives driven by both legislation and self-imposed targets will be a crucial focus. With the commitment from brand owners, retailers and packaging suppliers to achieving 100% recyclable packaging by 2025, the expansion of recycled content and recyclable packaging will continue to increase. There’s challenges there in the availability of recycled content, pricing, consumer communication, etc.

Secondly, a concept I call “paperization” will gain traction. This is a trend toward non-plastic alternatives that involves the development of paper-based packaging solutions. While these alternatives may not carry the same functional advantages as plastic and don’t necessarily have a better impact on the carbon footprint, their appeal lies in consumer preference.

The third noteworthy trend for 2024 will be the further growth of refill and reuse strategies. In Europe, legislative changes have spurred the adoption of reusable solutions for takeaway packaging in food service outlets. This has led to various innovations in refillable and reusable packaging. The industry is now at a pivotal crossroads as we consider the next steps for these initiatives. I anticipate significant advancements in this space that affect all types of materials, including plastic, paper, and aluminum.

Lastly, we see a lot of movement in the area of bio-material development, driven by carbon footprint reduction. A lot of alternatives to virgin plastic are being developed and tested on a university led trial level, and do not necessarily come to market yet. The challenge here is the end of life scenario, as there’s a risk of contaminating recycling streams. Also, there’s a lot of confusion as we juggle with terms as compostable, bio-material, bio-based, bio-degradable. For consumer communication this can be an extra difficulty.

Do you notice regional differences in these trends?

Europe is further along the path in terms of sustainability efforts than North America; we see this reflected in our Innovation Zone platform where we track a lot more new initiatives related to sustainability for Europe than in North America.

In many other parts of the world, the lack of infrastructure for simple plastic recycling highlights the need for fundamental structural changes in some markets.

Australia faces logistical challenges due to its geographical location, but there are some nice innovations related to recycling and paperization that mirror Europe’s path.

“

I anticipate significant andvances in refill and reuse strategies that affect all types of materials including plastic, paper and aluminum.”

Paul Jenkins, Founder and Managing Director at ThePackHub

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Packaging trends

What packaging features do brand owners prioritize to make their products stand out on shelves and create memorable brand experiences?

It has always been important for brands to persuade consumers with their packaging. However in recent times, this battleground has become two-fold — it’s now both ‘on shelf’ and ‘online’. In the online world, customers receive their package days after ordering it. We might call this a “second moment of truth” that influences brand perception after the purchase.

In terms of delivering a pack that impresses the consumer in the ecommerce environment, operators are now under more pressure than ever to reduce their impact on the environment (packaging weight,…) while also providing a sense of luxury (unboxing experience: lacquers & inks, heavier materials, …). Added to this, the scrutiny that brands are now under is immense.

Everyone has access to phone cameras and this thrusts brands under a magnifying glass. Every unboxing experience — whether good or bad — can now be shared online and can go viral in a heartbeat.

Other shifts I’ve noticed in packaging include the use of QR codes. They were almost dormant, but the pandemic triggered a renaissance, ushering them into a role of consumer engagement. Brands now wield QR codes as windows into consumer behavior, revealing usage patterns and geographical insights. Finally, on

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the technological horizon, smart packaging avenues like NFC and RFID will no doubt continue to grow as we move forward into the future.

Are there any creative and innovative packaging materials that have caught your attention recently?

The landscape is alight with innovative shifts.

Conventional paper substrates are still being used, but hybrid developments with biomaterials accounting for 30% of the content are also common. One example is elephant grass in the Netherlands which provides an alternative to paper, although it’s currently still being tested.

Bamboo is lauded for its rapid growth and carbonnegative properties but of course the ethics of shipping bamboo from one side of the globe to the other merit analysis. It’s one of those materials often associated with greenwashing, so we need to be careful in differentiating true sustainability.

When looking at alternatives to paper based, we need to challenge what is wrong with paper: why should we mix it with a certain amount of other material?

If we look at paper to replace plastics, there are a lot of small trials and pilots going on. One company I know of did switch from plastic to paper, albeit in small runs, meaning that there is still uncertainty around its viability.

Fiber-based materials face formidable barrier challenges, which is something plastic excels at. So there’s a lot of pushback around paper bottles with a plastic lining, as this may mean that the actual paper can’t be recycled. When you dig into these alternatives, some of these initiatives may not be as holy as they were initially made out to be.

Packaging itself is moving more towards mono materials that simplify recycling by using a single plastic type. Brands aim to achieve 100% recyclable packaging, either by changing materials or switching to paper. Projects like Holy Grail 2.0 strive to enhance recycling efficiency through invisible barcodes, yet industry-wide collaboration is essential for success.

The availability of food-grade rPP is one of the biggest challenges for us as a PP in-mold label producer. Do you think PP will survive in the packaging world?

Yes, I think it will survive, but there’s a real challenge. In 2022, the UK introduced a plastic packaging tax on packaging with less than 30% recycled content. But because the supply of rPP’s is so poor, it can sometimes be cheaper to pay the tax than to use recycled content.

I would say the industry is at a crossroads regarding whether chemical or mechanical recycling is the way forward. With mechanical recycling, we have the infrastructure, although it still needs improving in most markets. Chemical recycling is still a bit of an art form, and whether we get a breakthrough that’ll pave the way to further adoption is something worth keeping an eye on. For now, the associated concerns include the cost and environmental impact.

The demand for rPP’s and other plastics will continue to increase as brands strive towards their sustainability goals. In fact, demand is increasing faster than we’re able to recycle, so unless we can find more effective ways of getting quality rPP’s on the market, then it’s going to be hard to meet those increasing needs. Thankfully new solutions are becoming available, such as NextCycle IML which will help to maximize the value of rPP and no doubt help shape a better future.

What’s your take on the combination of plastics and cardboard in packaging?

The main challenge posed by the combination is separating the materials for recycling. In the UK market, there’s a strong emphasis on combining paper & plastics for dairy products and takeaway, particularly

in the on-the-go sandwich market. Sandwiches often require a plastic barrier for protection and this complicates the recycling process. Despite attempts to encourage consumers to separate them, it simply doesn’t work as paper, plastic, and food all end up together.

Looking into your crystal ball, what do you see for the future of the packaging market?

Sustainability will be the primary driver. Looking ahead, it’s hard to envision anything but an influx of sustainable packaging ideas. But here’s the flip side: as brands and retailers become primarily focused on sustainability goals, other features like easy-open designs and resealability become less common. In this drive towards sustainability, many thoughtful features take a backseat.

We’re in an era where consumers are questioning excess. It’s a different landscape out there and we’ve got to strike a balance that pleases both the ecoconscious and those who crave convenience.

ThePackHub is a leading packaging innovation consultancy delivering technical support and project management, events and reports.

ThePackHub also manages their marketleading Innovation Zone platform with more than 7,600 packaging initiatives listed. The Innovation Zone is trusted by companies of all sizes.

Starting with brand owners, retailers, packaging suppliers and small businesses. Then, expanding to the biggest brands on the planet.

Including Amazon, Coca-Cola, Nestle, Kellogg’s, PepsiCo, Kraft-Heinz, Johnson & Johnson (and many, many more).

With a vast, searchable, worldwide database, it’s the go-to resource for packaging professionals.

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Success story 40

A sleek, professional finish with IML for Vida is life

The hair care products of South-African brand Vida is life have specific requirements when it comes to packaging. To make sure its tubs gracefully withstand the warm and humid environment hair care products are used in, long-lasting packaging decoration is a must. In mold labeling turned out the perfect solution.

Water resistance? Check. Scratch proof? Check. Professional, modern appeal? Triple check.

“The Vida is Life products are proudly formulated and manufactured in South Africa. Our brand focuses on healthy scalp and hair, supporting natural hair growth and thickening, reducing scalp irritation, and defining natural curls. Whether you have natural hair, styled, dreadlocks, braiding, wigs and weaves, or highlights and relaxers, we give you the confidence to go about your day!” says Katherine Joubert, Marketing and Brand Director at Vida is life, when introducing the brand.

Steam-proof in mold labels for a sophisticated look Hair care products are used in a humid and moist bathroom environment. These conditions can have an effect on the products used in the bathroom, as well as their packaging. The moisture in the bathroom can cause labels and adhesives on product packaging to peel or lose their stickiness over time, leading to a less appealing appearance and even difficulty in identifying the product.

To address this, Vida is Life decided to go with in mold labeling. “The non-scratch, non-peel and overall, long lasting features of IML labels are suitable for the environment our hair care products often find themselves in. The sleek and professional finish of IML only contributed to our choice of labeling technique,” says Katherine Joubert.

“The glossy look of the IML labels add to the overall professional look and feel of our packaging, which stands out to the consumer who is naturally more inclined to purchase a product that looks professional, modern and authentically appealing on shelf.” In turn, this leads to a higher brand recognition and sales.

Satisfied partners “We have a long relationship with Vida is Life and injection molder Mpact. We value the good understanding we have of each other’s businesses and the fruitful working relationship. We are happy that our solution for Vida is Life has met their consumers’ expectations and we foresee growth in that sector!”

says Joe Kaddoum, Regional Business Development Manager Middle East and Africa at MCC Verstraete.

“I can only agree. The 1 or 2 small issues we

“

The non-scratch, non-peel and overall long lasting features of IML are perfect for our hair care products.”

Katherine Joubert, Marketing and Brand Director at Vida is life

encountered when we started IML, were easily sorted out and the support we experienced then, added to the good partnership that we have. We’re very satisfied, about the service as well as the end packaging!” says Katherine.

“Working alongside the Vida team has truly been a remarkable experience. As Mpact, we take pride in our proactive approach to finding solutions and our unwavering focus on consistently delivering high-quality products. These values have been demonstrated throughout the entirety of this project”, says Brendan Mayer, Operations Manager Mpact Plastics Pinetown.

Project details Product: Vida… is life Ultra Conditioner Plus+ Brand owner: Vida… is life Injection Molder: Mpact

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Behind the scenes

IML University 2023 Sharing our knowledge, that’s what we love! We invited 25 industry professionals over to our US premises for 2 days of IML education and inspiration.

The highlight of the program?

The guided production tour!

#Interpack2023 Showcasing Molded Fiber LabelingTM at Interpack 2023! We had a blast collaborating with the team at Pagès Group.

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The MCC Verstraete Family Fair!

Our Belgian associates brought their families to the MCC Verstraete HQ for a guided production tour and a look behind the scenes our daily operations. Food and fun included!

#fakuma2023 A historical milestone! The first time MCC Verstraete and MCC Korsini exhibit together at an international plastics fair. Fakuma 2023 was a fantastic experience!

Stretching 1 2 3 A high five for our US team, for mastering their pre-shift stretching routine. This favors ergonomics and prevents back pains and injuries. Creating a healthy and safe work environment for our employees is key!

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2240 trees and shrubs!

30 of our colleagues engaged in a tree planting event in Drongengoed, a vast forest nearby our Ursel facility in Belgium. We planted 2.240 trees and shrubs.

The event was hosted by Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos (ANB) who manages the expansion of forest resources.

Best supplier award For the second year in a row, Berry CPNA awarded our US team with the Best Supplier Award in the label category!

MCC Korsini celebrates new name The MCC Korsini team celebrated the integration into the MCC family.

Only smiles and good times!

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International Women’s Day Our female team in Australia celebrating International Women’s Day. You go, ladies!

4 IMDA awards!

We won 3 IMDA awards in the categories ‘Best Use of IML/ IMD in an innovative application’, ‘Sustainable use of In-Mold Processes’, ‘Best Use of IML – Printing Technique’ and also took home the People’s Choice Award.

IML Knowledge² May 2023 - The very first snapshot of the MCC Verstraete x MCC Korsini sales team!

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Knowledge sharing in Australia Knowledge sharing and collaboration are key! Two of our Belgian colleagues supported the Australian team in getting a new finishing line up and running.

Hassan Rmaile visits MCC Verstraete Belgium Hassan Rmaile, MCC’s new CEO, visited the MCC Verstraete offices and production, and was introduced to the team during a townhall meeting.

Family BBQ MCC Verstraete US’ family BBQ again was a convivial get-together!

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Introducing Medical IML Together with Arburg, Beck Automation, Kebo and Intravis, we developed Medical IML. With this specialized system, we’re introducing IML in a new market segment!

Extended Product Portfolio MCC Verstraete and MCC Korsini teams connecting about the extended product portfolio.

100th anniversary Turkish republic The MCC Korsini team celebrated the 100th birthday of the Turkish republic together.

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Get in touch with our team!

Peter Grugeon

Adam Stephens

Mathieu Nieuwenhuyse

President MCC Global IML

Managing Director MCC Verstraete Australia

Managing Director MCC Verstraete Americas

adam.stephens@mcclabel.com

mathieu.nieuwenhuyse@mcclabel.com

peter.grugeon@mcclabel.com

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Enrico Corsini

Giorgos Karydakis

Managing Director MCC Korsini

Managing Director MCC Karydakis

enrico.corsini@mcclabel.com

giorgos.karydakis@mcclabel.com

Frederik De Clercq

Fabrizio Corsini

Murat Akbulut

Sales Director Europe & Global Marketing

Sales Director Europe Key Account Director

Sales Director Asia Pacific

frederik.de.clercq@mcclabel.com

fabrizio.corsini@mcclabel.com

Aras Altunay

Sener Erbil

Nico Van de Walle

Sales Director Rumena

Sales Director Türkiye

aras.altunay@mcclabel.com

sener.erbil@mcclabel.com

Product and Circular Economy Manager

murat.akbulut@mcclabel.com

nico.van.de.walle@mcclabel.com

Stijn Quintyn

Kim Blondeel

Evie Vens

Business Development Manager

Sales & Business Development Manager Europe

Partner & Brand Owner Manager

kim.blondeel@mcclabel.com

evie.vens@mcclabel.com

stijn.quintyn@mcclabel.com

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Benedict Adins

Jan Van Iseghem

Sebastian Liebau

Sales Manager Europe

Sales Manager Europe

Sales Manager Europe

benedict.adins@mcclabel.com

jan.van.iseghem@mcclabel.com

sebastian.liebau@mcclabel.com

Dean Poole

Joe Kaddoum

Hatice Demir

Sales Manager UK & Ireland

Sales Manager MEA

Sales Manager Key Accounts

dean.poole@mcclabel.com

joe.kaddoum@mcclabel.com

hatice.demir@mcclabel.com

Ilker Ergin

Mikhail Britcyn

Emre Aykul

Sales Manager Europe

Sales Manager Russia & Technical Support

Sales Manager MEA

ilker.ergin@mcclabel.com

mikhail.britcyn@mcclabel.com

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emre.aykul@mcclabel.com

Brian Roske

Brian Fleming

Michael Schofield

Sales Manager North America

Sales Manager North America

brian.roske@mcclabel.com

brian.fleming@mcclabel.com

Sales Manager Australia/ New Zealand michael.schofield@mcclabel.com

Oscar Peres

Alexandra Quiceno

Sales Manager South America

Sales Manager South America

oscar.peres@mcclabel.com

alexandra.quiceno@mcclabel.com

Any inquiry?

Contact us!

We look forward to partnering with you on your next project. Contact us and we’ll connect you with the right label specialist in your region. marketing@mcclabel.com 51