TCL Packaging of Telford, printers of packaging films say that introducing the new front-of-pack food labelling makes virtually no difference to flexible packaging costs and manufacturers should embrace this consumer-positive change.
The new labelling, widely expected in 2013, is likely to consist of coloured traffic light style indicators and one of the industry objections raised is that labelling could potentially add significant cost to packaging repro and print costs.
âWith printed films, thereâs a nominal cost to incorporate front of pack labelling but itâs insignificantâ says TCL managing director Mike Golding. âWe have reviewed our customer base and 85% of designs can use the existing number of colours and just exchange or add two new plates to achieve the new labelling. In some cases, changes will be cost neutral as part of a scheduled redesign programmeâ
TCL says good planning is the key to minimising waste and maximising print cost efficiency. âBy working with packaging designers and repro housesâ says Golding âwe help them understand how to achieve optimum results from the minimum number of colours and the best separation techniques. With manufacturers and packers we advise on cost-efficient transition and minimising wasteâ
Some retailers and manufacturers have already adopted labelling, even though a uniform design has yet to be agreed and Golding believes this is to their credit âAlthough the labelling scheme is voluntary, we believe brands will gain in reputation from being early adopters and openly sharing this nutritional information with consumers – who will drive this change whether the industry likes it or notâ
There is also some suggestion that prevaricating brand owners could lose market share as the labelling system becomes a consumer expectation, but the message from TCL is clear – increased print or repro costs are not a credible stalling factor.