The FormSleeve+ labelling system from Sacmi Labelling of Italy had its first fifteen minutes of fame in August this year. It was used in the redesign of the world’s no.1 sports drink, Gatorade. Its advantages were put to very good use. The 500ml Gatorade 'Kenny' PET bottle was specially designed with a sculpted hand grip to make it easier to use while participating in sport. The Sacmi FormSleeve+ Labelling machine was used to apply full body and/or partial body sleeves on all of the Gatorade products from 500ml to 1L PET bottles at speeds of up to 40,000 bottles per hour, using a fully natural (food safe) ambient-temperature liquid adhesive to seal the sleeve edges and stop moisture seeping in.
Now the FormSleeve+ labelling system is also able to apply sleeve labels to beverage cans and can also create a hygienic top seal for the can. It has already been adopted by a number of international beverage producers such as Coca-Cola Mexico, San Benedetto Italy and Pepsi Central America.
What makes this new system better than the one you’ve been using?
The Formsleeve+ system is built around a modular labelling machine that allows the application of a tubular sleeve created in the machine from roll fed label film stock.
The sleeve is created on a series of motorised mandrels through the use of vacuum technology. Its special liquid bonding solution seals the high shrinking label film correctly and strongly, creating the sleeve. The created sleeve is then lowered and applied to the container. A heat tunnel positioned at the outfeed of the labeller completes the shrinking process.
The creation of the sleeve is integrated into the labelling process, which provides significant cost savings in printed film material versus the traditional sleeve converting process.
With its Sacmi Roll Fed technology, the system also requires lower maintenance than other complicated welding systems on the market.
And it adapts easily to different label film material types, thicknesses and applications.
When used for cans, FormSleeve+ is capable of line speeds of up to 51,000 cph. Stock piles of pre-printed cans are no longer required. There are savings in wastage from obsolete can stock. And it significantly improves both flexibility in order processing and reduced lead times.
Other benefits for canners are:
- Quick adaption to market trends.
- Flexible marketing options - with fast turnaround from the concept creation to appearing on retail shelves.
- Special short run promotions, personalisation of cans for special events.
- Increased space options for advertising and communication on the product.
- Truly innovative product that offers consumer benefits and a competitive advantage.
- An optional hygienic top seal with tamper evident perforation that ensures a hygienic product.
- Sleeve changeover takes only 1 hour without the need to remove the empty cans from the line.
Curious? Sacmi Labelling is represented in Oceania by HBM Packaging Technologies.
