AA Labels has invested £1.1m into new packaging machinery

With the packaging market geared to grow by 12%, according to Mordor Intelligence data, AA Labels has announced a new packaging offer to meet growing demand.

The Peterborough business has invested £1.1m into new machinery, geared mainly towards those operating large businesses.

Previously, AA Labels had been focused on SMEs which required affordable short print runs, with quick turnarounds. In response, it started with a service providing printed cartons that would allow smaller businesses to complete the entire order process online.

Now in this next phase of growth, the organisation has launched two new machines aimed at bigger manufacturers, distributors and retailers. This includes its HP Indigo 12000 printer, which offers six colour printing and colour matching technology for both short and longer print runs.

Moreover, up to 4,600 sheets can be printed each hour, meaning large orders can be completed quickly whilst maintaining a high print quality. It also boasts a duplex print option that allows packaging to printed on both sides, even on a thicker substrate material.

As few as one carton can be printed for proofing purposes before the machine is set to print large scale orders. Users can also benefit from a range of programmable options, such as variable data printing and spot colour print.

“Up until this point we have been restricted by the number of orders we could fulfil due to the scope of the existing printer. Following market research, we knew that there was potential to build our offer for larger print runs, whilst maintaining the high level of quality and customer service we are known for,” ​said the organisation’s project lead Shoaib Akram.

“The investment in the new press means we can print to the bigger size of B2+, a dimension frequently used by retailers, manufacturers and distribution networks. This will lead to the packaging division increasing from 5% to 20% of overall sales.”​

The company has also rolled out a new lamination machine – TruCoat (Auto Fed) which is designed to be more sustainable, using a more environmentally friendly UV coating lamination method that costs 50% less than the standard process.

The lamination device also provides the option for gloss-satin or matte coatings, with a turnaround time of less than five minutes for each to be applied.