RLC packaging group - Latest

Global Packaging Alliance Holds Annual Meeting in Brazil

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 08:30:00 +0200

Hannover / São Paulo – April 16, 2013 – The Global Packaging Alliance (GPA) recently held its annual meeting in São Paolo, Brazil, providing an ideal forum for its partners to review packaging industry and global market trends. The group also discussed ways to further support international brands with enhanced packaging solutions that align with their sustainability goals. Representatives from each company shared the latest developments in their packaging operations, including equipment investments, value-added processes, green initiatives, and operating data for benchmarking. Members also provided commentary on current economic conditions in their respective countries, and the impact of the economy on packaging markets. “GPA members continually exchange their knowledge and experience to meet the growing demands of its customers to sustainably produce packaging with the same global, high standard,” said Hans-Christian Bestehorn, CEO of the rlc │ packaging group, a GPA charter member. “This enables us to coordinate production processes worldwide, implement identical quality standards, and assume global packaging responsibility across the value chain. Global brand manufacturers particularly benefit from the collective experience of the packaging manufacturers organized within the framework of the GPA.” Sustainability has become compulsory in the marketplace. According to some estimates, global demand for green packaging is expected to rise almost 6% per year through 2015. This will be driven by advances in manufacturing activity and the continued trend toward more sustainable packaging. Consumers have not only embraced a more sustainable lifestyle, but are also becoming more savvy about environmental claims, spurring demand for increased use of certified paperboards, renewable, biodegradable, and compostable materials, and clearer, more prominent recycling labeling. To that end, the GPA has pioneered the use of several more sustainable innovations, most notably their Green Chic™ finishing techniques, which include Liquid Metal™ and MiraFoil® metallic coatings, Cast and Cure holographic effects, and in-line specialty coatings (e.g., Emboss, Glitter, Pearl, Soft Touch, Texture). The decorative techniques are a natural evolution of GPA’s ongoing collaboration and exemplify its goal of creating high quality, upscale packaging through more sustainable converting methods.

rlc doubles production capacity at PHARMACENTER

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 14:45:00 +0100

Hanover, 15 November 2012 – The rlc | packaging group recently completed the expansion of its PHARMACENTER in Rüdersdorf near Berlin. The family-owned company invested in a new production facility and doubled machine capacity to ramp up for the growing demand for high-quality pharmaceutical packaging. Folding box production was launched in July in the new building. The production of package inserts has started there in early November. As a system provider, rlc offers a range of special services in its PHARMACENTER, including filling and packing of folding boxes, leaflets and pre-packed medications with just-in-time distribution. The expansion of the production facility has resulted in some 30 new jobs.

"The expansion of our PHARMACENTER exemplifies our ongoing focus on the special needs of the pharmaceutical industry," says Hans-Jürgen Katzer, rlc Managing Director responsible for the construction of the new facility. "We expect to see a growing demand for system-based services from a single source in the future. As a holistic system supplier, our PHARMACENTER covers the entire value chain. Our technology, organization, production and supply chain are tailored to the specific needs of the pharmaceutical industry." Walter Würfel, in charge of the rlc pharmaceutical division, adds: "We assemble and distribute folding boxes, pre-packed drugs and package leaflets at our PHARMACENTER. Our company is authorized to handle pharmaceutical packaging in accordance with Paragraph 13 of the German Medicinal Products Act."

Finishing competence and just-in-time production In addition to efficient packaging production, three new production lines for folding boxes offer hybrid effects and other finishing solutions that are seldom used in the pharmaceutical industry. Würfel explains: "Special finishing is especially important for non-prescription, over-the-counter products. This is where we specifically implement our expertise in the beauty and confectionery sectors. Depending on the manufacturer's needs, we produce folding boxes using UV printing and hot foil stamping techniques." The company's investment in new presses, die cutters and gluing machinery avoids bottlenecks in just-in-time production operations.

The portfolio of package inserts produced at the PHARMACENTER ranges from flat and pre-folded inserts to outserts. With its new printing and folding machines, rlc already meets EU readability guidelines requiring future package inserts to be printed in a minimum nine-point font.

Lean principles and highest safety standards Organized according to lean production principles and high-level automation, the PHARMACENTER operations enable more efficient, need-based production. This prepares rlc for the short cycles common in the industry and guarantees fast turnaround times. State-of-the-art inspection methods ensure compliance with the highest safety and hygiene standards. The slightest mistake, such as a missing decimal point in the dosing information, can have fatal consequences for the patient. This is why rlc carries out special quality control checks at each phase of production.

In addition to the expansion of the facility in Rüdersdorf, rlc has also invested in a spacious new building for its subsidiary BSC in Poland. This site offers an additional 2,500 square meters of production space for pharmaceutical packaging. Katzer explains: "This facility enables us to flexibly meet peak production demands for our customers and cover the Eastern European market under identical production conditions." Limmatdruck l Zeiler, the rlc operations in Switzerland, also offer comprehensive expertise in the production of pharmaceutical packaging. This is complemented by PAS Media, a GMP-validated project and artwork lifecycle management tool. By increasing capacities at its different plants, rlc is moving forward with its strategy of specialization and sustainable growth in target industries.

FachPack 2012: rlc demonstrates expertise in Beauty, Pharmaceuticals, Confectionery and Food

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 15:15:00 +0200

Meet the rlc l packaging group on their different booths at the FachPack:

Hall 9 l Booth 215: rlc main booth
- Sophisticated packaging solutions for the beauty, pharmaceutical, confectionery and food industry.
- New ideas and packaging concepts
- Special materials and finishing technologies such as Laser Gloss, Liquid Metol or Gloss Texture
- Packaging Technology solutions by our technicians from ZET Engineering
- Celebrate the 40. birthday of our ZetKLIK flip top box with us - we hold a little surprise and an attractive lottery ready for you. At this occasion you can have a look into our new competence box with To Go Packaging solutions.

Hall 9 l Special show: Theme Park Packaging in Medical Technology and Pharmacy"
- Our Pharmacenter is presenting its wide range of packaging, leaflets and labels.
- New: Pharma Competence Box with a wide choice of packaging ideas

Hall 9 l Booth 22: PAS Media
- The Artwork Lifecycle Management Tool PAS Media ist he best solution for optimizing packaging production from design to print.
- Let you explain the tool life at our PAS booth.

Hanover, 14 August 2012 – The rlc │packaging group emphasizes their comprehensive packaging expertise at FachPack in Nuremberg from 25 to 27 September. The company will be presenting its packaging portfolio aimed at the beauty, pharmaceutical, confectionery and food industries at the main rlc exhibition booth (hall 9, booth 215). Examples include finishing methods and packaging solutions along with "hands-on" innovations. The system supplier is also presenting solutions for pharmaceutical products in the “Packaging in Medical Technology and Pharmacy” theme park in hall 9. The company is also celebrating the 40th anniversary of the original ZetKLIK flip top box.
Focusing on the all-important “First Moment of Truth,” the rlc│packaging group is presenting its complete finishing portfolio at FachPack. The company is the first European packaging specialist to use the Laser Gloss holographic finishing process for folding boxes and is the only manufacturer that combines this process inline on the same machine with cold foil laminating. However rlc will be presenting much more than finishing expertise at the trade show: “We offer the full range of services across the packaging value chain – including consulting, design, artwork management, production, distribution, development, and implementation of custom-configured packaging solutions,” explains Hans-Christian Bestehorn, CEO of rlc | packaging group. For example, technical production requirements are taken into consideration from the beginning of packaging design development. The “packaging architects” from brandpack, the rlc Center of Excellence for comprehensive packaging design, will be at the exhibition booth to demonstrate how to create effective brand performance. Experts from the rlc ZET Engineering division will be on hand to offer advice on packaging technology solutions, special solutions in particular. The web based software PAS Media, a tool for intelligent artwork lifecycle management, makes collaboration more efficient and enables everyone involved in a packaging project to work together transparently and efficiently. Visitors can learn about PAS Media at booth 227 in hall 9.

rlc positioned as a system supplier for pharmaceutical manufacturers As a system supplier for the pharmaceutical industry, rlc is also focusing on specialized pharmaceutical packaging solutions at FachPack. “With the expansion of our PHARMACENTER in Berlin, we can respond to current and future market requirements even faster and more flexibly. This applies equally to OTC product packaging and prescription medications,” explains Walter Würfel, the new pharmaceutical division manager for the rlc │ packaging group.

The special exhibition “Packaging in Medical Technology and Pharmacy” is where rlc will be introducing its Pharma Expertise Box, a selection of packages tailored to the specific needs of the pharmaceutical industry. These include convenience factors, such as easy opening, tamper-evident closures or ways to make products eye-catching at the point of sale. rlc offers exceptional packaging solutions that attract consumer attention, especially for OTC products. The company transfers finishing know-how and more from its Beauty and Confectionery units to its Pharma division.

Product solutions – ZetKLIK celebrates 40 years Among the special features at FachPack, rlc will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of ZetKLIK "flip top box. The company has developed a special box with on-the-go packaging for the occasion, including established packaging solutions as well as the introduction of new pocket packs

[Translate to english:] Limmatdruck AG und Zeiler AG verschmelzen zur Limmatdruck | Zeiler AG

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 14:07:00 +0200

[Translate to english:] Spreitenbach, 04.Juli 2012. Die Limmatdruck AG in Spreitenbach und die Zeiler AG in Köniz firmieren ab dem 30. Juni 2012 als Limmatdruck | Zeiler AG. „Durch die Fusion können wir uns noch mehr auf das Kerngeschäft und die Unterstützung unserer Kunden fokussieren“, erklärte Ulrich Nydegger, Geschäftsführer Limmatdruck | Zeiler. Zum gleichen Zeitpunkt übernimmt das Schweizer Unternehmen die Corporate Identity der rlc | packaging group.

Limmatdruck/Zeiler gehört seit dem 1. Juli 2011 zur rlc | packaging group, einem der führenden Faltschachtelhersteller Europas mit Sitz in Hannover (Deutschland). Mit der Integration von Limmatdruck | Zeiler in die rlc | packaging group haben die Kunden Zugriff auf das gesamte Leistungsspektrum der Unternehmensgruppe – dazu gehören Design und Beratung, Artworkmanagement sowie die Planung, Entwicklung und Realisation von individuell konfigurierten Abpacklösungen. rlc bietet das gebündelte Verpackungs-Know-how in den Sparten Beauty, Confectionery, Pharma und Food.

Ab Juli 2012 – ein Jahr nach dem Zusammenschluss – wird das äussere Erscheinungsbild der Limmatdruck | Zeiler AG dem Corporate Design der rlc│packaging group angepasst. „Die Schweizer Identität von Limmatdruck l Zeiler bleibt jedoch unverändert bestehen“ so Nydegger.

Die Schweizer Produktionsstandorte sind für die rlc│packaging group von grosser Bedeutung. Durch ihre räumliche Nähe zu Frankreich und Italien stellen sie den idealen Ausgangspunkt für weiteres Wachstum dar. Mit dem Potenzial der rlc-Gruppe wird die Entwicklung intelligenter Verpackungslösungen an den Schweizer Standorten noch weiter ausgebaut.

Award for laser gloss technology and nomination for “Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Grand Prize

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:46:00 +0200

Hanover, March 2012. Convincing the jury with its sustainable laser gloss finishing process, the rlc | packaging group was chosen as a “Selected Landmark 2012”. The company is thus one of the award winners in the “365 Landmarks in the Land of Ideas” competition. Sponsored by Deutsche Bank, the competition recognizes pioneering ideas and projects that demonstrate the ingenuity and innovative strength of German companies. In addition, rlc – the largest family-run folding carton manufacturer in Germany – was nominated for the “Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Grand Prize” – one of the most sought-after awards for medium-sized companies in Germany. The award-winning rlc laser gloss technology is a resource-saving finishing process for folding cartons. The laser gloss process achieves a wide variety of holographic effects, enabling the production of packaging with a high visual impact. The effects are achieved by a special reusable film with a texture that is embossed into varnish before it dries. This method enables rlc to dispense with lamination and reduce the CO2 footprint of packaging – with no detrimental effect on the visual appeal. According to rlc CEO Hans-Christian Bestehorn, “We regard innovative strength as essential for actively shaping the future of the packaging market. This is why we aim to create innovative potential everywhere in the company – from the design stage, to processing and production.” The effectiveness of this method is clearly demonstrated by looking back at 2011 when the company received multiple awards for unique packaging solutions, including the World Star and the Swiss Star 2011. Innovative strength is also one of the criteria for the “Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Grand Prize.” “The nomination for this award not only demonstrates how intensively we practice innovation throughout the corporate group, it also shows our continuous development as a medium-sized company on course for continued growth,” Bestehorn continues. In 2011, rlc expanded its operations in Hanover, started on the extension of the PHARMACENTER in Berlin, took over AUG. HEINRIGS Druck + Verpackung in Aachen and acquired the Swiss folding carton manufacturer, Limmatdruck/Zeiler. Bestehorn concludes: “The aim of all this activity is to ensure continuous growth in packaging for the branded goods industry in all four of our business segments: Beauty, Pharmaceuticals, Confectionery and Food, and to be closer to our customers in Europe. Nomination for the ‘Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Grand Prize’ is evidence that this development is attracting attention outside the company – and we are very pleased about that.”

Global Packaging Alliance (GPA): Organization strengthens cooperation in packaging design and development

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:42:00 +0100

Hanover / New Delhi, 16 March 2012. The Global Packaging Alliance (GPA), a worldwide consortium of medium-sized, independent packaging manufacturers, plans to strengthen its cooperation in the field of packaging design and development for global brands. Diamond Packaging (USA) and Kumar Printers (India) are now joining forces with Masterpack (South Africa) and Colorpak (Australia) to adopt the brandpack concept developed by the
rlc | packaging group. Created in 2007, brandpack is the rlc center of excellence for complete packaging design.

At the annual GPA convention from 27 February to 2 March in New Delhi, management representatives from the nine member companies discussed the different market conditions in the worldwide network based on sustainability and quality of life issues. In the emerging countries, for example, the current trend toward plastic film packaging poses a serious problem for environmental protection. This is primarily due to the underdeveloped recycling systems in these regions. At the same time, there is a demand in these markets for sustainable packaging solutions and high-quality design for global brands. "The initial attempts in these rapidly growing markets make it obvious that, for globally active consumer goods manufacturers, the folding box could very well be the packaging solution of the future," says Hans-Christian Bestehorn, CEO of the
rlc │ packaging group, a GPA charter member.

"Today’s requirements for a uniform global brand presence and a rapid supply of products in different markets can hardly be met by a single medium-sized enterprise," Bestehorn explains. The GPA closes this gap. Global brand manufacturers particularly benefit from the experience of the packaging manufacturers organized within the framework of the GPA. This enables them to coordinate production processes worldwide, implement identical quality standards, and assume global packaging responsibility across the value chain while production takes place at local sites.

"In order to understand the global developments as precisely as possible, we communicate in-depth about the challenges in the respective markets," says Bestehorn. At the recent meetings, rlc presented concepts focusing on lean production, inline processing, and the complete design approach implemented by brandpack.

rlc | packaging group: “Our presence at ProSweets 2012 was a complete success”

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:21:00 +0100

Hanover, 09 March 2012. Visitors to the rlc | packaging group stand at this year’s ProSweets Cologne were able to view the entire range of innovative confectionery packaging designs, including new inline finishing technologies, a comprehensive design concept and packaging solutions ranging from elegantly simple to the premium segment. Exhibiting for the first time as a member of the
rlc | packaging group at the international trade fair for confectionery industry suppliers in January, Limmatdruck/Zeiler and Aug. Heinrigs successfully carved out a shared profile as a center of excellence for the confectionery industry.

Trade show visitors were especially attracted to the latest inline finishing technologies for the confectionery industry, including “laser gloss”, a holographic transfer technology that produces high-gloss 3D effects. Miguel de la Poza, Head of the Confectionery Division at rlc | packaging group, said: “We had a number of enquiries about specific design options – from packaging with high visual impact, yet suitable for industrially efficient production, to extremely sophisticated packaging for the premium end of the market.” Samples exhibited by the Structural Design unit focusing on themes, including “On the Go", “Seasonal/Duty Free” or “Luxury”, also stimulated in-depth professional discussions.

The comprehensive design philosophy of the rlc | packaging group attracted significant interest from exhibition stand visitors. “The unique rlc approach starts in the initial stages of packaging development and takes into account all facets of graphic and structural design, artwork management and subsequent packaging by the manufacturer,” explained de la Poza. “This enables us to achieve an extremely effective packaging design – a key requirement for a successful first moment of truth at the point of sale.” rlc employs specialists in all of these fields working together under one roof. Customers gain additional benefits from the transfer of expertise from other industries.

Responding to the interest shown at the trade event, rlc is planning a roadshow. This will give rlc confectionery experts a chance to present the highlights from ProSweets to customers and potential customers who were unable to attend the trade show or had too little time at this year’s event. De la Poza concluded: “We are delighted by the high demand for our products and ideas – and especially about the many new contacts we made. We achieved one of our main objectives at ProSweets: showing a growing number of potential customers the benefits of the rlc philosophy. Our presence at ProSweets 2012 was a complete success.”

rlc | packaging group: Sales now under central management

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:21:00 +0100

Hanover, 02 February 2012. On course for further growth, the rlc | packaging group has restructured its sales unit. Pierre Barth was appointed to General Sales Director for the entire corporate group on January 1, 2012. Barth was previously in charge of marketing & sales at Limmatdruck/Zeiler, a company that joined the rlc | packaging group in summer 2011. Part of the rlc | packaging group growth strategy is to concentrate sales responsibility in the position of General Sales Director and to steadily grow in each of the four strategic business units, Beauty, Pharma, Confectionary and Food, with packaging for consumer goods manufacturers. "With new members, including Aug. Heinrigs in Aachen and Limmatdruck/Zeiler in Switzerland, joining the corporation, the
rlc | packaging group has strengthened its expertise and expanded its range of products available to customers," explains Stephan Bestehorn, Managing Director in charge of sales at rlc. "Pierre Barth is an experienced packaging expert and sales professional from within our own ranks. He will successfully drive forward the expansion of our group in the European market." Pierre Barth, Director of Marketing & Sales for twelve years at Limmatdruck/Zeiler, actively shaped the integration of Zeiler AG into Limmatdruck AG. He also played a key role in the strategic orientation of Limmatdruck/Zeiler as a packaging specialist for confectionary and food products. Barth has worked for 25 years in the packaging industry. He held international sales positions at Amcor Rentsch Rickenbach and served as packaging sales manager at Birkhäuser + GBC.

Attractively packaged sweets: rlc | packaging group presents innovative confectionery packaging at ProSweets Cologne 2012

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:03:00 +0100

Hanover, 21 December 2011. The rlc | packaging group is presenting new design concepts and advanced finishing options for confectionery product packaging at ProSweets Cologne 2012, from 29 January to 1 February in Cologne, Germany. Stand G11 in Hall 10.1 is where the rlc packaging experts will be demonstrating how comprehensive concepts for innovative packaging solutions based on the company's "Packaging 3.0" approach can be integrated into the confectionery segment. The rlc portfolio ranges from design and consulting, to artwork and packaging machinery. Limmatdruck/ Zeiler and AUG. HEINRIGS will be presented for the first time as members of the rlc │ packaging group. Parallel to ISM, the international confectionery trade fair, industry suppliers will be meeting at ProSweets Cologne to present innovations and technologies for manufacturing processes and packaging. Focusing on the keywords Lean – Green – Seen, rlc is at ProSweets to show how integrated concepts can be effectively used to implement efficient consumer response, sustainable value chain, and first moment of truth. "Confectionery packaging has to be capable of conveying exclusivity and sensuality as a means of supporting brand success. Environmental issues are also gaining importance," says rlc │ packaging group CEO Hans-Christian Bestehorn. "Our centers of excellence offer specialized know-how and technologies designed specifically for the confectionery industry. In line with a T-shaped organizational concept, we combine the knowledge and experience from our other group divisions: Beauty, Food, and Pharma." The company's synergies are strengthened by brandpack, the rlc center of excellence for integrated packaging design, which also operates industry-wide. From design and consulting, to intelligent artwork management, production and finishing, repacking and logistics solutions, rlc offers packaging solutions from a single source. Streamlined processes for complex packaging solutions "The market demand for confectionery products is rapidly changing. Manufacturers are constantly bringing new products to market. We are responding to this with our lean concept, which is always based on current customer needs to ensure packaging is always available at the right time and right place in the required quantity," Bestehorn explains. The rlc lean philosophy also ensures resource-friendly production across the entire value chain. New inline finishing techniques, including Liquid Metal and Laser Gloss, not only improve sustainability, they result in packaging that is attractively designed for a convincing first moment of truth. For example, rlc is the first European packaging specialist to implement Laser Gloss as a holographic finishing process for folding boxes, and the only manufacturer capable of combining this process inline with cold foil laminating on the same machine.

Cherry Pack: rlc | packaging group presents innovative

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:07:00 +0100

Hanover, 25 November 2011. As one of seven selected packaging industry partners, and the only manufacturer of folding cartons, the rlc | packaging group presented its solutions for the first time at the L'Oréal Cherry Pack. The cosmetics manufacturer's in-house exhibition took place for the second time on 23-24 November. Participants were asked to present new technologies, outline innovative solutions and integrate sustainability into their packaging as an essential element of brand success. In line with its "Packaging 3.0" approach, rlc showed how innovative packaging solutions for beauty brands can be created using holistic concepts ranging from design and consulting, to artwork management and packaging machines. The rlc | packaging group has been working in partnership with L'Oréal for years on eye-catching folding box solutions. At the in-house exhibition, rlc focused on the keywords Lean – Green – Seen to show how integrated concepts can be effectively used to implement efficient consumer response, sustainable value chain, and first moment of truth into packaging production. "We respond to the ever-shorter innovation cycles for beauty products with our lean concept. This is consistently based on actual customer needs to make sure the packaging is always available at the right time and right place in the required quantity," explained rlc CEO Hans-Christian Bestehorn. "Our lean concept also ensures resource-friendly production across the entire value chain. Using new inline finishing techniques, including Liquid Metal and Laser Gloss, we improve sustainability and supply packaging that is attractively designed for a convincing First Moment of Truth." For example, rlc is the first European packaging specialist to implement Laser Gloss as a holographic finishing process for folding boxes and is the only manufacturer capable of combining this process with cold foil laminating inline on the same machine. Special know-how and technologies for the beauty segment are provided by rlc at two centers of excellence located in Hanover and Aachen, Germany. In line with the T-shaped organizational concept, rlc combines the knowledge and experience of the corporate group's Confectionary, Food and particularly its Pharma business units and offers it to cosmetics industry customers. Maximizing differentiation and specialization ensures know-how transfer for customers in these target industries. These synergies are strengthened by brandpack, the rlc center of excellence for holistic packaging design that also works industry-wide. From design and consulting, to intelligent artwork management, production and finishing, repacking and logistics solutions, rlc offers complete packaging solutions from a single source.