Canadian maple syrup producer 29 février is benefiting from a cost-efficient supply of short run labels for its premium product range, courtesy of the digital UV-inkjet printing capabilities of its newly appointed supplier, Multi-Action Labels. Multi-Action uses a digital workflow from SPGPrints.

Designed by lg2 boutique of Montreal, the labels for the six varieties – light, amber and dark grades, and organic alternatives for each – create a versatile brand, suited for an array of fine culinary uses. Extensive use of text on a white background educates consumers about the subtle flavors and serving ideas. A no-label look “window” reinforces the impact of the brand name and offers appreciation of the product contents.    

When 29 février was launched in 2014, the labels for the brand were originally screen printed opaque white followed by digital toner process for black and green. The brand owner sought a solution that offered higher productivity, lower label unit costs and ordering flexibility, in order to achieve supermarket listings in Canada, the USA and Korea.

Multi-Action provided a single-pass printing and converting operation with the company’s eight-color 13” (330mm) wide SPGPrints DSI (Digital System Integration) UV-inkjet press. With make-ready times in this fully digital workflow reduced to file handling, the converter offers lead times of within 48 hours and even the possibility of same-day deliveries. Furthermore, the converter was able to ensure high-impact and durable image reproduction, as the SPGPrints’ proprietary inks offer high scratch-resistance and, in white, an optical density of 93%.

“The 29 février brand, with its exceptional quality and an elegant packaging, is transforming the perception of maple syrup as a fine food product,” says Jonathan Bourbonnière, president, Multi-Action Labels. “With our digital UV-inkjet label workflow based on the DSI press, we are well-placed to offer the high levels of flexibility and shelf-impact needed to ensure the brand’s international success.” 

Available in widths from 135mm to 530mm (5” to 21”), SPGPrints’ modular DSI printer offers the possibility of variable data, personalization, samples on-demand and maximum productivity of 700m²/hour. Standard features include intermediate inline LED pinning, and a chill drum to enable stable, undistorted processing of heat-sensitive plastic substrates.

In addition to standard CMYK stations, customers can specify or retrofit up to six print stations, including opaque white, orange and violet, spot colors and a digital primer to maximize substrate compatibility.