ABBEY Labels has invested in the latest high-speed digital label press from Xeikon.
The new LX3000 (aka ‘The Lion’) joins two Xeikon CX300s at the company’s production facility in Bury St Edmunds. Printing at up to 42 m/min, the five-colour, dry toner press is said to offer a ‘significant jump’ in productivity.
Chairman Tom Allum said, “As expected, the Lion has quickly settled into our label operation. This new beast gives us fantastic speed, excellent 1200 dpi print quality and industry-leading sustainability in one high-productivity package.
“As the first full installation in the UK, the Lion is another great opportunity for Abbey Labels to bring more value for our customers. And not only does the impressive 40% speed increase provide more printing capacity, it also reduces the energy consumption per linear metre.”
The LX3000 takes advantage of Xeikon’s new ECO toner technology, designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the process by more than 10%. ECO toners are made with 60% recycled plastic materials and are free from PFAS.
“More than simply offering faster speeds and guaranteed high quality with the new Cruise Control system, the LX3000 is also the environmentally friendly choice,” Allum added. “Our brand owner clients demand proven sustainability to help reduce their carbon footprints, so we’re particularly pleased to be able to offer all the green benefits of Xeikon’s new ECO toners.”
The deal with Xeikon was sealed at drupa last year when Allum travelled to Germany for the official handshake. “Ever since I first started visiting drupa as a teenager with my dad, I’ve dreamt of signing for a new press at the world’s largest print show,” he explained. “We’d only just agreed to invest in the LX3000 the day before the show opened, so we had to make quick arrangements for the trip to Düsseldorf. It was well worth it though, because it’s so much better to finalise these deals in person.”
Abbey Labels has also invested in new converting capabilities and built a dedicated finishing hall.
Allum said, “Just a few weeks in, we’ve seen a big change in our turnaround times and output speeds, as the Lion is literally eating label job after label job in no time at all. With this press and the new ECO toners, we’re ready for the next chapter in our history. Most importantly, we have invested in what I truly believe is one of the most, if not the most, environmentally friendly and sustainable digital label printing technology on the market today.”
