BACON producer Denhay Farms has fully automated its packaging operations by integrating Ravenwood’s linerless technology for its sleeves, in a move that is said to have delivered labour and efficiency benefits.
The new linerless sleeves resemble traditional hand-applied sleeves but come supplied on a roll.
Denhay has installed two Ravenwood Nobac 5000 linerless applicators. The company has also partnered with UK-based linerless printer, ProPrint Group, to produce the new linerless sleeves.
“We’re absolutely thrilled with how seamlessly the linerless applicators and our new linerless sleeves have integrated into our production process,” said Jim Loescher, MD of Denhay Farms. “The machines have transformed our labelling operations, making it faster and more efficient, while the sleeves provide a premium, high-quality solution that perfectly complements Denhay’s brand.”
The switch to linerless comes as part of Denhay’s efforts to reduce manpower on the packaging line, improve staff welfare, and add value by smarter spending. The transition from labour-intensive hand sleeving to fully automated labelling has been implemented across all Denhay’s own-label sliced bacon including the Spoilt Pig brand, and wholesale catering packs.
The Ravenwood Nobac 5000 linerless applicators can sleeve a variety of fixed-weight pack formats and tray sizes. The transition is said to have improved packaging efficiency and reduced storage and shipping space due to the compact nature of linerless reels.
“The wellbeing of our staff is at the heart of our operations,” added Jim Loescher. “This transition has been a true ‘win-win’ – not only have we enhanced our labelling processes, but our team is also much happier with the new system. We’re so impressed with the results that we plan to expand the use of linerless technology across other products in our bacon range.”
Denhay sought to retain the ‘premium’ look and feel of their original cardboard sleeves. Ravenwood explained that its linerless sleeves, supplied on a roll and cut to size by the applicator, are designed to meet these aesthetic standards. The pressure-sensitive board reels are available in slideable or non-slideable versions.
During initial trials, Denhay raised concerns over the visible white lines in the plate repeat pattern on the linerless sleeve. To resolve this, ProPrint filled the join with the same Pantone colour as the sleeve border during the artwork stage, referred to as an ‘infill’. This is designed to ensure the sleeves maintain a ‘flawless, premium’ appearance at no additional cost to the customer.
