Press release

EXCELLENT INNOVATION – SIHL IS ONE OF THE TOP 100

Newly crowned innovation champion: Sihl GmbH has been awarded the TOP 100 seal 2024. Only particularly innovative medium-sized companies are honoured with this award. Science journalist Ranga Yogeshwar, who has accompanied the innovation competition as a mentor for 12 years, will personally congratulate Sihl on this success at the award ceremony on 28 June in Weimar.

Sihl prevailed against 387 other SMEs in a scientific selection process, making it one of the top innovators in Germany. “We live innovation every day and being one of the TOP 100 is a great honour for us. We are proud that our work is bearing fruit and being recognised,“ explains Peter K. Wahsner, CEO of the Sihl Group, about the good result.

“Innovation is an important part of our corporate strategy. We develop innovative processes, technologies and products for a sustainable future. This is how we ensure our long-term success with our customers,“ adds Steffen Ohr, Vice President Innovation at the Sihl Group. He and his team take a holistic approach to innovation: scouting, research & development, business development & initial commercialisation – these are the three steps to success. And they are not limited to Sihl products, but also include technologies and business models.

New opportunities in the area of personalisation

In recent years, new opportunities have been opened up in the area of personalisation. One example of a Sihl technology innovation is Perigon. The Sihl Group subsidiary is the first provider in the world to offer a process that allows complex 3D objects to be printed industrially over their entire surface.

With the innovative business model of its adelmo brand, Sihl has rethought the path from packaging idea to sales success. Using an online 3D configurator, customers can fast and simply create and order their desired design for customised printed stand-up pouches on the B2B platform. Thanks to the cooperation with local adelmo partners, the pouches are produced and delivered within just 5 days.

Innovation „Recyclable Photo Paper“

“We are also breaking new ground in our existing business. We are developing products that fulfil the growing customer demand for sustainability,“ explains Stefan Benito, Managing Director of Sihl GmbH. With GreenGrafX Photo Paper, Sihl is offering the first fully recyclable photo paper. Unlike conventional photo papers, it is not coated with polyethylene (PE) but has a special barrier. This replaces the PE film but retains its important properties for photo printing. As it contains less plastic, GreenGrafX Photo Paper can be disposed of in the normal paper bin and 100% recycled in the waste paper cycle.

The TOP 100 competition

Since 1993, compamedia has been awarding the TOP 100 seal for special innovative strength and aboveaverage innovation success to medium-sized companies. On their behalf, the renowned innovation researcher Prof Dr Nikolaus Franke from the Vienna University of Economics and Business and his team examine the innovative strength of all participants on the basis of more than 100 criteria from five categories:

  • innovation-promoting top management
  • innovation climate
  • innovative processes and organisation
  • external orientation/open innovation
  • innovation success

“Are the companies able to create new products, new services, new processes and new business models? And are these achievements just coincidences or the result of a structured and targeted approach? These are the questions we analyse at TOP 100,“ says Nikolaus Franke, explaining his approach to the review. It is also important how and whether innovations and product improvements have been able to establish themselves on the market.

To ensure equal opportunities, the TOP 100 seal is awarded in three size categories: up to 50, 51 to 200 and more than 200 employees. As the requirements of the selection process are very high, out of more than 3,000 interested parties, only companies that think they have a chance of winning the award usually apply. In the 31st edition of the innovation competition, 388 SMEs applied for the award. 287 were successful and now bear the TOP 100 seal 2024. A maximum of 100 companies per size category can be honoured.

On 28 June, all the top innovators of the year will gather at the “congress centrum weimarhalle“ for the award ceremony as part of the German SME Summit. Ranga Yogeshwar will be there to personally congratulate them on their TOP 100 success.

Further information on the price and Sihl‘s innovations can be found on our website or our blog.

RECYCLABLE GREENGRAFX PHOTO PAPER: NOW ALSO AVAILABLE IN GLOSSY

Less plastic, more sustainability: this is what GreenGrafX Photo Paper from Sihl stands for. Unlike conventional PE-film-coated photo papers, it is fully recyclable via the waste paper cycle.

Plastic is always and everywhere in our everyday lives – even in places where we wouldn‘t expect it at first glance. For example, photo paper is usually coated with plastic and should therefore not be disposed of in the paper bin. The coating contains polyethylene (PE) and it is not possible to separate this from the paper base.

Picture the world without plastic

With GreenGrafX Photo Paper 220 satin (3616) and GreenGrafX Photo Paper 220 glossy (3617), Sihl comes a big step closer to this promise. These photo papers are the first choice for brilliant and sustainable printing results for photo and poster applications as well as large format printing. The material is not only Made in Germany and FSC® certified, but can also be recycled via the waste paper cycle, meaning that it is certified in accordance with the PTS RH 021/97 Category II method commonly used in the recycling sector. So after the photo is before the photo.

The finishing with a special barrier and the microporous coating replace the PE film of conventional photo papers, making it environmentally friendly while retaining the properties that are important for photo printing. They also ensure very good flatness, even with high ink application, and make the material less sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. The coating is optimised for water-based ink systems and ensures excellent colour reproduction, a wide colour gamut and fast drying.

EXPERIENCE THE REVOLUTION OF THE PACKAGING MARKET WITH ADELMO – THE NEW ONLINE B2B PLATFORM FOR INDIVIDUALLY PRINTED POUCHES FROM SIHL

Why does it actually take 4 weeks, 23 emails, 5 callbacks and 3 sleepless nights until you have a package with your own design for your products in your hands? We investigated this question and developed the solution. With adelmo we revolutionise the packaging printing process. So that you can package your values in the best possible way!

We have rethought the path from packaging idea to sales success. In our online 3D configurator for B2B customers, you create your individual design quickly and easily at www.adelmo.net. You can use our templates or create your own. Do you already have a finished print file with your desired design? Simply upload it to the configurator and see in the live preview how your stand-up pouch will look. Designed and ordered in 5 minutes, delivered in 5 days – with satisfaction and money-back guarantee!

Fast delivery times thanks to the adelmo family

After you have created your design, your order will be produced locally by our adelmo partner according to our standard. Thanks to the short supply chain and an innovative digital production process we guarantee exceptionally short delivery times.

„With adelmo, we package your values. You can design, order and pay for your pouch online in just 5 minutes and get it delivered in under a week by one of our local adelmo partners. That‘s our value proposition,“ explains Steffen Ohr, Vice President of Innovation at Sihl Group.

„With the service quality of adelmo, we are breaking new ground. Through the online 3D configurator the possibility of designing stand-up pouches quickly and easily, and by working together with local companies, we guarantee extremely short delivery times. This sets us apart from the competition and is a significant innovation for the packaging market,“ says Peter K. Wahsner, CEO of Sihl Group.

Your product deserves the best packaging

Within the packaging market, stand-up pouches are one of the most popular packaging formats. They are often more sustainable than other forms of packaging, can be easily filled and represent the product in a high-quality way at the point of sale. They also offer efficient protection of the product over the period of use. For this reason, demand for printed stand-up pouches is growing strongly, especially in smaller batch sizes. With adelmo, batch sizes of 1-50,000 can be produced efficiently and easily.

The adelmo product portfolio comprises high-quality stand-up pouches for the packaging of free-flowing dry products, for example for the snacks, coffee, tea, spices, food supplements and pet food sectors and nonfood markets such as cosmetics and cleaning products. The stand-up pouches from adelmo bring with them a number of advantages:

  • Recyclable thanks to sustainable mono-material
  • Aroma and oxygen protection
  • Reclosable
  • Light and waterproof
  • Food compliant

We speak from experience

adelmo is a brand of the Sihl Group. The Sihl Group has been strengthening the market position of its customers for more than 100 years – with over 400 employees, passion and innovative ideas. But experience means more to us: we know the challenges our customers face. Because we know what they need and how they think – and we develop customised solutions to strengthen their offering.

SIHL WITH NEW PRODUCTS AT LABELEXPO 2023

We are pleased to be part of LabelExpo Europe 2023 in Brussels again this year. From 11-14 September, we will welcome our customers and partners in Hall 6 Stand C15 and present solutions and innovations from the Label FACESTOCK, ARTYSIO Flexible Packaging and Tags segments.

FACESTOCK

In the Label FACESTOCK area, we will be showing our two new products PICOFILM WO-80 matt ZM1 (8002) and PICOFILM WO-110 matt ZM1 (8003) for the first time. The ZM1 coating is a new matt, highly resistant coating for water-based inkjet printing.

It is also resistant to a wide range of chemicals and at the same time shows a high quality print image. This makes the products suitable for many demanding label applications, for example in home & personal care, pharmaceutical applications or in the oil and chemical industry.

When transporting goods by sea, long distances have to be covered, often in extreme weather conditions. Labels are used to reliably label goods of any class, e.g. also hazardous substances or toxic chemicals, according to GHS. The approval of the ZM1 coating on the Epson C6500 and C4000 printers in accordance with the globally recognised BS5609 Section 3 standard guarantees reliable, resistant labelling for such applications.

Labels on Demand

With the ENDURO and PICOFILM ranges, Sihl offers solutions for decentralised on-demand printing of tearresistant labels in short runs. This makes it possible to flexibly design blank labels without pre-printing and at the same time fulfil customer requests for personalisation.

We are introducing a new application area for our ENDURO Premium 150 matt (6900) and ENDURO Effect 140 Water improved (6912): wristbands for access control and identification. These material strips, which are worn around the wrist, facilitate, for example, the identification of guests at events, concerts, in water parks, etc. As our products are very hard-wearing and tear-resistant, they are ideal for this area of application and offer many advantages over other materials.

You can get more information directly at our stand 6C15 at LabelExpo or online at: https://sihl.com/en/wristbands-for-access-control-identification/

Sustainability plays a major role for the entire range. We are constantly working on our products to make them more sustainable and conserve resources. For example, our ENDURO Classic 145 K (6946) now convinces with a PCR content of 90%. It is also PVC-free and FSC® certified.

ARTYSIO Packaging

In the area of flexible packaging you can see our new „Pack&Print“ solution. Here, stand-up pouches are made from our ARTYSIO film, which can then be individually printed using aqueous inkjet or laser processes and finally filled. This sets new standards in the industry for small, highly flexible customer orders of up to 10,000 pieces. In addition, transport and storage costs are saved and the delivery time is shortened considerably.

Further information is available directly at our stand 6C15 at LabelExpo or online at: https://sihl.com/en/premade-artysio-stand-up-pouch/

PRESSURETAC

No more dirty trolleys, belts or suitcase handles thanks to PRESSURETAC! Safe and clean labelling plays a major role in the airline and logistics industry. Standard labels not only leave a lot of waste due to the peeled-off silicone papers, but also usually leave unsightly and unhygienic residues when they are removed. Here PRESSURETAC offers the perfect solution: linerless, self-adhesive paper for loop tag labelling. The basic principle is based on cold seal technology. When two ends of such a back-coated material are brought together with pressure, the high cohesion causes them to stick together permanently. The resulting loop tag sticks only to itself, back to back, without any additional waste.

Test it yourself live at LabelExpo at our stand 6C15!

Sihl at LabelExpo Europe 2023

After the LabelExpo Europe had to be cancelled in the last years due to pandemic, we are pleased to present again this year at the world‘s largest event for the label and packaging industry in Brussels with a cross-section of our broad portfolio. Sihl showcases solutions in the segments Label FACESTOCK, ARTYSIO Flexible Packaging and Tags with focus on sustainability. Sihl is considered a pioneer on the path to greater sustainability and as part of the ESG strategy combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility.

FACESTOCK

In the FACESTOCK range, we present innovations for water-based on-demand inkjet printing. It includes BOPP and PET films in various sizes and colours and already offers 10 film products with a PCR content of between 30% (white) and 90% (clear). The products have the same mechanical properties and the undisputed Sihl printing performance in laser or AQ inkjet printing, so just like the rest of the range they are easy to process and offer identical benefits: fast drying, high colour brilliance, sharp-edged prints and good water resistance.

Together with the right adhesive, they support recycling efforts, whether through the option of monopackaging or automatic sorting during recycling. To reduce CO2 emissions, many products are available with DUAL printing technology. This reduces inventory along the entire logistics chain, as only one product is needed for at least two printing technologies, such as inkjet and laser.

In addition, Sihl saves resources in the use of materials and offers aqueous inkjet products with reduced weight. Compared to the corresponding PET or BOPP grades, the total weight is reduced by up to 40%, which increases productivity with 30% to 50% more labels per roll.

For more information, please visit: https://sihl.com/en/facestock/

 

ARTYSIO

With ARTYSIO we offer functional, flexible packaging solutions for water-based on-demand inkjet or laser printing for narrow web printers, converters and brand manufacturers. Premade, individually printable stand-up pouches: The ARTYSIO film is first produced on the line to form unprinted stand-up pouches, which can then be individually printed later as required using aqueous inkjet or laser printing. This variant is suitable for all small, highly flexible customer orders of up to 10,000 pieces and represents a completely new benchmark in the industry.

The “Made for Recycling” seal guarantees sustainability. ARTYSIO is manufactured according to GMP guidelines (“Good Manufacturing Practice”) and ensures production in the food environment. Therefore, ARTYSIO is qualified as flexible, primary packaging for food & non-food applications.

Read more on: https://sihl.com/en/artysio-packaging/

 

PRESSURETAC

Correct and secure goods labelling plays a central role in the logistics industry. At the same time, cost pressure is continuously increasing, and companies are looking for new efficient, cheaper and more flexible solutions. In addition, with sustainability another important factor has come into play. As a specialist for high-quality coatings, Sihl offers innovative solutions that clearly move in this direction. In the logistics industry, pallets are traditionally wrapped with stretch film during transport and then labelled. This generates large amounts of waste that must be disposed of.

Sihl has found a solution to this problem with PRESSURETAC, an environmentally friendly, linerless label material. The loop tag is attached, for example, to a reusable pallet strap, box, or trolley, which are safe and environmentally friendly substitutes for stretch film. It also scores points because it only sticks to itself. Once folded on its back, the high cohesion ensures the label sticks to itself permanently due to a cold-seal technology. This eliminates the need for silicone paper used in traditional methods, reducing both production time and waste.

It is easy to remove and leaves no marks, increasing economy and environmental friendliness by eliminating the need for costly chemical cleaning of cages, belts and trolleys. The label material is recyclable and FSC® certified. And as it is compact and lightweight, it saves costs and CO2 emissions during storage and transport.

Contact us at: https://sihl.com/en/pressuretac-logistics/

 

Tags on demand

With the ENDURO and PICOFILM ranges, Sihl offers solutions for decentralised on-demand printing of tear-resistant plant stabbers, loop and hang tags in short runs. This allows blank labels to be designed flexibly without pre-printing and at the same time meets customer requirements for personalisation.

ENDURO products are durable and long-lasting due to a special composite material with a film core between two paper layers. It can be processed and printed as easily as paper and is at the same time tear-resistant, water-repellent, durable and hard-wearing. In addition, the ENDURO range is FSC® certified and certified for recyclability / pulpability.

PICOFILM products are high-quality coated, tear-resistant films, many of which are water-, chemical- and heat-resistant. They impress with good ink adhesion, brilliant print results and are also particularly suitable for outdoor use.

On laser and inkjet printers, the media guarantee the highest print quality and brilliant colour reproduction. The roll-to-roll process ensures easy handling and high productivity. Depending on the material, the products can be printed on both sides and are suitable for outdoor use.

On-demand printing makes it possible to produce exactly the desired run directly on site. Efficient and sustainable digital print production also contributes to lower CO2 emissions as there are no transport distances and the goods are available immediately.

All further information is available online: https://sihl.com/en/sihl-durables/

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