< Previous20 Business Link www.blmforum.net ENGINEERING SPOTLIGHT A s the UK and its businesses face challenges of productivity, poor infrastructure, climate change and skills shortages, amongst others, engineers, as innovators, are called upon as problem solvers. Yorkshire has a long tradition of engineering and manufacturing expertise, and the region remains a hotbed for innovation in the industries today. Perhaps most famously, Sheffield hosts the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), an engineering centre that brings together government, industry and academia, has created hundreds of high- skilled engineering jobs in the region, and drawn inward investment from global companies including Boeing and McLaren Automotive, alongside smaller local employers looking to use advanced technologies to create innovative manufacturing techniques. The AMRC’s success saw the University of Sheffield named the UK’s number one university for income and investment in engineering research last year, attracting £124 million for engineering research from organisations across the world. Recommitting to the industry, just last month the University of Sheffield unveiled its new ‘Engineering Heartspace’, set to house its Faculty of Engineering. The space includes an employability hub to help engineering students and businesses meet and collaborate. A new research centre, the Sheffield Quantum Centre, also opened in January, which will bring together more than 70 of the University’s leading scientists and engineers to develop new quantum technologies that could lead to the development of more secure communications technologies and computers that can solve problems beyond the capabilities of existing computers. Looking for engineering excellence elsewhere in the region, Siemens recently submitted plans for a rail innovation hub in East Yorkshire at the Goole 36 enterprise zone, which will speed up technological uptake in the rail industry, combining manufacturing facilities with digital-led innovation. It is to be part of an innovation cluster named the Rail Accelerator and Innovation Solutions Hub for Enterprise (RaisE) and will sit next to Siemens’ £200 million rail manufacturing facility currently under development. RaisE is being supported by a network of partners from the UK rail industry and higher education and will focus on providing research and development support. Meanwhile, planning permission has been granted for the first phase of the University of Leeds’ Institute for High Speed Rail and System Integration, which comes as part of a more expansive plan to make Leeds a centre for rail engineering. While there is a lot to highlight and praise in the region, the skills gap remains a key point of concern in engineering across the UK, alongside the general A region with engineering expertise Our region is a historic hotbed of engineering, and this continues to ring true today. 20-23.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 08:55 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 21 ENGINEERING SPOTLIGHT failure to encourage young people into the variety of roles the industry holds. While 124,000 engineers and technicians with core engineering skills are needed annually in the UK, there is a 50,000 shortfall each year in engineering graduates to fill these roles and, according to the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) 2019 Skills and Demand in Industry report, sixty per cent of employers say that the recruitment of engineering staff with the right skills is anticipated to be the biggest barrier to business objectives over the next three years. In overcoming the skills gap eighty-one per cent of firms believe that businesses must support the move from education and training into the workplace, yet just twenty-three per cent of employers are entering schools or attending career events to promote engineering careers to young people. Further, as fifty per cent of the roles on the Shortage Occupation List are based in engineering, more needs to be done to attract people to the profession, and better communication must be established with the education system if a sustainable talent pipeline is to be created - this goes all the way back to primary and secondary schools. While, according to the IET, there has been progress in improving the view children have of engineering, with children in 2019 less likely to describe engineering careers as messy or dirty in comparison to 2015, instead describing them as modern, © Shutterstock /Gorodenkoff 22 Á 20-23.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 08:55 Page 222 Business Link www.blmforum.net ENGINEERING SPOTLIGHT Delivering Global Engineering Solutions Food & Drink l Utility Companies l Renewable Energy l Heavy Industry For further information call (01472) 344901, email: rj@intelecteng.com or rm@intelecteng.com Delivering Global Engineering Solutions Intelect – Delivering Global Engineering Solutions At Intelect we have extensive experience providing engineering expertise to process industries involved in food & beverages manufacturing, utilities, heavy industry and renewable energy. We maintain an ongoing program of investment in staff, equipment and infrastructures in order to respond to the needs of our customers, many of which are market leaders in their own industries. Along side our technical ability, we have an excellent reputation for delivering projects within time and budget whilst maintaining the highest standards in health and safety. We work nationally and internationally and are EN-1090 and ISO 9001 accredited. professional and interesting, the number of children saying they enjoy STEM subjects has declined, while fifty-two per cent of 11-19 year olds “probably” or “definitely” don’t want to become an engineer. Additionally, highlighting another problem in education, according to Engineering UK, though ninety-six per cent of teachers would recommend a career in engineering to students, less than a third of secondary school STEM teachers say they have a high level of knowledge of what engineers do, and the majority express a lack of confidence in giving students or children careers advice on the profession, showing a need for more professional development for teachers, and more direct interaction between engineers and schools. Illustrating just one way our region is addressing skills shortages, as well as the fact that the UK has the lowest percentage of female engineers in Europe, a new female engineering academy opened in Sheffield last year - The Liberty Steel Female Engineering Academy. 20-23.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 08:55 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 23 ENGINEERING SPOTLIGHT North Lincs Engineering Ltd We specialise in the Supply, Installation and Reconditioning of Industrial and Marine Diesel Engines and Generating Sets. Our team of Service Engineers can Repair, Maintain or Commission Land based or Marine Installations Worldwide. Tel: 01507 328787 • Email: mark@northlincseng.co.uk • Website: www.northlincseng.co.uk The need for quick and resilient digital infrastructure to support the future of engineering is also of concern as new digital technologies and processes enter the scene. How products are being engineered and designed is changing, with new technologies supporting human workers and creating new solutions humans have never thought of. With the adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT), one technology on the rise is digital twins. Used to create exact virtual replicas of something physical with algorithms and data, rather than materials, one can build virtually before using real resources, find design flaws, and engineers can see how their creation will perform in different circumstances. This also reduces the length of the development and production process. Generative design meanwhile is being used to assist engineers. Utilising AI software and cloud systems, design solutions are being created that humans couldn’t envisage at any fast pace. In this process, engineers provide an algorithm with design parameters, and software will then navigate through possible combinations to create hundreds of design options, which the engineer can then explore the viability of. Utilised across a variety of industries, one instance of its use is in the automotive sector where the technology is being employed for light- weighting components. Additive manufacturing also continues to be useful to engineers and holds a key place in designing products, allowing for the speedy creation of prototypes. Many of the world’s largest manufacturers are investing in 3-D printing across the automotive, aerospace and medical industries, requiring more skilled engineers. Overall, the demand for engineers will continue to rise, particularly as the focus on process optimisation across design, production and the supply chain increases. This will see a greater need for high-end engineers, quality analysts and control specialists amongst other engineering experts. The rise of Industry 4.0 too is seeing a booming need for AI, automation and big data engineers. Moreover, growing numbers of sustainability projects are seeing engineers in high demand, with optimising resource use, light-weighting, energy conservation, waste reduction, electric vehicles and developing renewable energy sources and eco-friendly materials on the agenda. © Shutterstock /Monkey Business Images© Shutterstock Wright Studio 20-23.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 08:55 Page 424 Business Link www.blmforum.net PRINTING AND PACKAGING Sustainable shelf appeal Sustainable shelf appeal 24-27.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 08:58 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 25 PRINTING AND PACKAGING P erhaps the most pressing issue facing businesses today is environmental. There’s been a seismic shift in sectors right across the business spectrum with companies fortifying – or, in some cases, creating – environmental strategies and committing to slash carbon emissions and their reliance on fossil fuels. Many experts agree that we’re entering a tipping point in which our current climate crisis can be prevented from descending into all-out catastrophe. The printing and packaging sector has an important role to play in reducing our reliance on plastic packaging, and companies and suppliers have stepped up to the challenge. Figures from the non-profit Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) show that in 2016 – the latest estimates for the UK – 1.53 million tonnes of plastic waste were reported, a twenty-four per cent rise since 2010. In the decade since, there’s been a flurry of corporate activity in this sphere with environmental strategies being seen right across the board, from blue chips right down to micro firms. While supermarkets are committing to net zero within the next decade, cumulative changes among smaller firms can have a big impact - from implementing an office recycling scheme and helping employees curb single-use packaging by encouraging packed lunches, or providing reusable coffee cups for a more sustainable take-away. The most pervasive packaging in most workplaces isn’t food and drink, however, it’s delivered goods such as printer cartridges and office supplies etc., all of which comes with its own packaging. Fortunately, much of this can be recycled, but even problem packaging and those that have been historically impossible to recycle are entering more of a closed loop with specialist recycling companies innovating methods. It’s therefore important for company bosses to reach out and make the effort. Of course, a company’s packaging waste and carbon footprint will largely depend on what kind of company it is. A PR firm, for example, will want to consider where its energy is sourced, the recycling of its waste products, and whether the paper it uses is sustainably sourced, among other things. But for a printing or packaging firm, there’s much more to consider, from the raw materials being used, to machinery and equipment. When it comes to companies – especially food and beverage companies – with products on store shelves, the challenge now lies in juggling environmental issues whilst also appealing to consumers who are increasingly demanding products of a higher standard than ever before. Companies selling in consumer channels are turning towards ever more innovative printing and packaging materials to help their products stand out on store shelves at a time when manufacturers are moving away from plastic and shoppers turn towards more sustainable options. What had once been niche offerings or proof-of-concepts are now becoming more ubiquitous with a mushroom-based solution offering a sustainable alternative to Styrofoam. Packaging is also being made from sugar cane and other renewable sources, many of them pre-existing waste streams such as surplus fruit and vegetables. Edible packaging has also emerged as a means of alleviating plastic waste with a coating that cut down on plastic and boosted shelf life was trialled last year by Leeds- headquartered supermarket Asda to great success. Manufacturers can also turn towards The printing and packaging sector is having to balance environmental efforts alongside the need for high-quality products that can compete in ever more competitive marketplaces. 26 Á © Shutterstock /Take Photo 24-27.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 08:58 Page 226 Business Link www.blmforum.net PRINTING AND PACKAGING RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT TAX RELIEF SPECIALISTS Many creative, technological and manufacturing companies are missing out on Research & Development Tax Relief. Call us on 01424 225 345 | Email: info@coodentaxconsulting.co.uk www.coodentaxconsulting.co.uk digital technologies as a means of market differentiation and to appeal to younger, more digitally-minded consumers. For example, augmented reality (AR) can be used to cut down on packaging and labelling whilst also offering a highly engaging consumer experience. Using AR, a consumer could use an app on their smart phone or tablet with a packaged product to gain information about its origin and production or, if a food product, additional nutritional information. It could also be used as an extension of that product’s advertising, engaging consumers like never before. Of course, a product still needs to work on its own merits, and it’s worth remembering that not all consumers can afford or physically operate touch screen devices. However, AR can be an important tool in a company’s arsenal, both for advertising and for differentiating their product and saving on labelling. Although there’s been plenty of innovation where packaging itself is concerned, with more sustainable materials and digital integration, printing and labelling technologies have also come along in leaps and bounds. Although colour changing inks have been around in the beverage industry for a while now, they’ve really evolved over the last few years and are appearing on more cans on shelves. Thermochromic inks cover a can with a temperature sensitive pigment that could let customers know when the beverage has reached the optimal temperature. Perhaps more exciting is photochromic inks which change colour when exposed to bright sunlight. This could reveal new images, colours and messaging, allowing companies to effectively have two different designs on every can. Also in this area are the rise of glow in the dark and UV cans, especially for energy drinks and alcohol – perfect for today’s Instagram minded consumers. Where beer is concerned, there’s been advances in high definition beverage can printing. This allows for greater detail to © Shutterstock /FabrikaSimf Businesses can find out more about the latest trends, developments and innovations in printing and packaging at the Packaging Innovations event taking place at the Birmingham NEC on 26 & 27 February. 24-27.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 08:58 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 27 PRINTING AND PACKAGING • Plain / Printed Labels • Thermal Transfer Ribbons • Lasersheets • Fanfolded Labels • Barcode Labels be reproduced, allowing a hitherto unattainable quality to be printed on cans. This offers drinks makers a real edge in a crowded marketplace and greater shelf appeal. It is understandably more costly than traditional can printing technologies, but it does allow greater opportunities to add depth, scope and dimension to reap potentially greater sales and a bigger slice of the market. Laser coders are becoming increasingly popular, not only where dates and batch codes are concerned, but for printing competition codes. More companies are looking to engage with their socially- minded and media-savvy consumers and are turning towards engagement strategies such as competitions to do so. Overall, the printing industry is highly innovative, with solutions such as 3D printing rapidly developing over the last decade. Although they’re yet to become standard, they are used in greater capacity in product design and prototyping and for creating food products and packaging that may have remained only conceptual before. Casting a wider net, digital printing technologies such as inkjet and electrography are opening new avenues for supplier and equipment manufacturers. Solutions such as these are continuing to supersede traditional printing equipment thanks to quicker response times, ease of image modification and greater levels of personalisation and customisation. Manufacturers that haven’t already updated their printing equipment will likely be considering it in order to stay relevant and to compete. The printing and packaging sector and the industries it serves have an important role to play in mitigating the climate crisis. However, that can’t come at the cost of sacrificing high-quality and shelf appeal and so the two aims will continue to grow alongside one another. As ever, more innovative packaging materials develop to replace plastic and printing machinery goes greener, the industry will lead by example. © Shutterstock /silvano audisio 24-27.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 08:58 Page 4PRINTING AND PACKAGING - ADVERTORIAL The Beauty of Decoration Your label communicates multiple messages both overtly and subconsciously and can convince buyers to choose one product over another. Brand labels are complex beasts. While they need to convey key information about origin, styles, and the brand, they also need to appeal visually to consumers making it important to make this first impression count. Label Logic, a label will be successful if it works on three levels:- 1. From a distance, when you see the label across the aisle, you are drawn to the label. It easily competes with the other products it is placed by in store. 2. At arm’s length, the label should be clear, simple and have a hierarchy of info. 3. At home, the consumer should notice another dimension they did not see at first. For example, a little about their history of the brand. Something that makes readers get out their smartphones or laptops to learn more. How do you build a “SHOW STOPPING” label? Colours influence emotions, increase brand recognition, create cues for messages and ultimately affect purchasing decisions. Particular colours are more predominantly associated with certain product categories or sectors. Research your sector colours carefully at design stage. Colour is an essential feature of package design and constitutes a prominent component of the product’s visual identity Use bespoke die cutting to differentiate. Think beyond rectangles, squares, and circles; irregularly shaped labels can create a unique identity. Choices include extra-round-ed corners, sharp geometric angles, two-part labels, torn- look edges, or custom shapes. If you have, an interestingly shaped container consider using an unconventional label shape to match. Material Selection – build an identity, what suits the brand? There are innumerable material options to choose, from textured uncoated stock to glossy paper, or clear film for a ‘no-label look’ and metallised for a distinctive shine. OPM has a vast range of options available to suit any desired look or application. Gloss paper, beautiful textured and uncoated papers, clear film, metallised options, and natural Kraft paper. It also has a variety of specialty materials that provide a unique look (e.g. leather, wood, holographic and more). For performance and sustainability - Most brands are looking to engage their environmental responsibility, so why not choose a sustainable material. There are plenty of options available, whether it is recycled content, chain of custody certified, biodegradable, or made from unique waste products like sugarcane or limestone. Embellishments and Effects- elevate your label design, adding the finishing touch to enhance the presentation of your brand. Foiling – Adding foil achieves a premium, luxurious effect that communicates quality and complements the label design. Foiling will give your label instant metallic shine and reflective depth, giving the label a distinct finish. A wide range of colours and effects are available; gold, silver, bronze, copper, rose gold, holographic, matt silver, black, white, and green to name a few. Hot foil is a method of foiling that requires a special tool and can achieve finer and higher quality detail than cold foil. Hot foils have a wider range of colours and effects such as holographic compared to cold foil. Hot foiling is suitable for use on uncoated and textured materials. Cold foil is an alternate method of foiling that requires a plate and is more cost effective than hot foil due to the lower set up costs. A selected range of colours and effects such as holographic are available. Embossing (and debossing) is a great way to create a tactile experience with a textured, prestigious effect by raising (or lowering) a pattern or image from the label surface. This gives a tactile feel and can highlight certain design elements. Embossing is particularly effective on uncoated papers. 28-29.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 09:01 Page 1PRINTING AND PACKAGING - ADVERTORIAL Silk screen creates impact with simplicity. The screen process has the ability to print a smooth, controllable lay-down of ink with a raised, tactile feel. Producing an excellent density of colour and it is particularly effective when using a white either on its own or to provide a base for vibrant design elements. Lamination provides durability. The entire label surface can be finished in a gloss or matt lamination film. This provides a high impact appearance in addition to strong moisture and scuff protection. There are specialty laminations like linen and leather effects to create a unique tactile finish. Holographic logos or patterns can be custom made specific to brand. Coatings offer a perfect finish. Flood coating - The entire label surface can be finished in either a gloss or matt coating. Spot Coating Gloss or matt spot coatings can be used over an element of the design to highlight it or to create a pattern. Textured coating - OPM has a number of coating options for achieving a textured look and feel to the label, including our super-gritty sandpaper coating. Soft touch coating for a smooth touch of luxury. This luxurious coating can be applied to selected areas or to the entire surface of the label to achieve a subtly soft texture. It encourages touch and engagement and provides products with a unique velvety and warm positioning. Utilising the silkscreen process OPM can create a high build coating that gives a tactile, premium effect that highlights key design areas. They act as a clear or coloured raised surface on areas of your label such as your logo, variety name, or as a textured pattern. They can also be very effective when used as a super glossy highlight over a matte finish background. It is also a good way of enhancing the richness and depth in colour of the chosen design elements. Now to consider the Inks available that present colour with purpose. Metallic inks are used to create a similar effect to foil, via the shine of the metallic particles found in the ink. Chameleon ink has colour-shifting impact. This specialty ink creates a colour shift when viewed from different angles. It is a great way to interactively transform design elements. Best used in large solid areas to maximise the effect. Glow-in-the-dark – excellent brightness in total darkness. This effect does just what it says, it creates glow-in-the-dark areas on the label. You can highlight specific design areas or incorporate hidden elements for a fun and interactive effect. OPM also offer a special black light ink that under a UV ‘black’ light glows fluorescently. Scented ink – engage the senses, When scratched, this ink releases a fragranced aroma that can be used to promote a flavour, evoke an emotion or create a statement. It is available in a wide range of standard and custom scents from vanilla, fruit, flowers, citrus to chocolate; your imagination is the limit! Scratch-off ink – generate excitement by hiding a message underneath that can be removed by scratching with a fingernail or coin. Ideal for promotions where the consumer is given the excitement of revealing a prize, discount, reward or hidden message. Reverse printing – the hidden selling space. Printing on the back of a label reduces the content on a label’s face side and minimises clutter. It’s a great way to add extra information or promotional content without compromising the look and feel of the brand. This only works for labels applied on clear surfaces where the back of the label is visible. It’s also a fun way to reveal hidden content as the product is consumed. Wow that’s a lot of inspiration! With so many options all that is left to do is get in touch with OPM to bring your labels and flexible packaging to life. Our team of experts can help you navigate our full range of embellishment solutions to ensure you achieve the look your brand deserves! For more information, visit www.opmgroup.co.uk, email customerservices@opmgroup.co.uk, or call 0113 231 1000. 28-29.qxp_Layout 1 04/02/2020 09:01 Page 2Next >