With an international reputation for tamper-evident packaging, UK-based Viscose Closures occupies a niche sector of the package printing market.  Established back in 1892, when Charles Cross invented the viscose process, the company enjoys a rich tradition of customer service spanning more than 130 years.  The latest investment in a Mark Andy flexo press represents a strategic step in enhanced print quality, production efficiency, and overall capacity to fulfil the burgeoning demand for its products.

Emma Blackmore, managing director at Viscose, comments, “This investment marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to quality and growth. The new Mark Andy flexo press allows us to deliver even higher-quality printed heat-shrink sleeves with greater speed and precision – something our customers increasingly rely on as product security and shelf appeal remain top priority.”

The Mark Andy Evolution E5 is a six-color 17” (430mm) press, fitted with full LED/UV curing, chilled impression rolls, and an overhead rail to allow for converting options to be added as subsequent demand dictates.  The press is fitted with a rewind for straight roll-to-roll production.  Rated at 228m/min, the E5 will more than double previous production speeds and significantly reduce waste by more than 85% on a six-color job.  In addition to offering better print quality, the Evolution E5 will have a major impact on turnaround times in a market that is becoming ever more dependent on JIT and allow smaller MOQs.

Explaining the company’s choice of Mark Andy technology, Viscose head of operations Stephen Armstrong says, “We started looking for a new press in 2024 and were particularly impressed with Mark Andy’s attention to detail in the tendering process.  Nothing was too much trouble for them as they guided us through the technicalities and customised the press for our specific requirements.  Having a UK base with a strong service commitment was another key factor, and I cannot praise too highly the entire process from quote to installation.”

The new Evolution E5 will be used on the company’s heat-shrink business that produces cut bands, open top capsules, and reel-fed tubing, using either recyclable PET, 30% recycled-content RPET, or industrially compostable PLA – the company has a very ‘green conscience’!  Specified to run  LED inks, unlike its solvent-dependent predecessor, the Mark Andy press is less energy intensive, cleaner and easier to operate and maintain, as well as more efficient.  

“It’s a win-win for us;” says Armstrong, who says the press aligns well with the company’s sustainability program and both internal environmental goals and customers’ eco-conscious packaging demands.

Viscose sectors served include food & drink, health & vitamins, beauty & cosmetics, and pharmaceutical – all of which demand high resolution graphics, and high accuracy. The new Mark Andy will assist Viscose to grow business by offering an extended printed sleeve options to existing customers, as well as allowing entry into new markets like nutritional drinks. In fact, in the few weeks since installation, Mr. Armstrong reports a successful new contract has been secured for work the company could either not previously handle, or quote for competitively.

Speaking for Mark Andy, sales manager Antony Cotton states, “This investment marks the beginning of a new era for Viscose Closures in terms of six-color production capability at high speed with much reduced operating costs, and highlights what the latest technology has to offer in terms of efficiency and sustainability.  And the beauty of the Mark Andy Evolution series is its ability to be upgraded with additional print or converting units at any time, making it as near future-proof as it’s possible to be with print technology.”

Justifiably proud of its heritage, Viscose Closures is also mindful that no company can survive on historical performance alone.  Located in a modern 45,000 square foot unit in one of Swansea’s industrial parks, and employing more than 40 staff, the company is keen to grow its business that last year saw almost 2.5m metres of heat shrink material produced.  This accounted for around 25% of an overall turnover of £7m, which Emma Blackmore is keen to build on.  Investments in the latest technology, like the Mark Andy E5, will certainly be a key element in the company’s growth plan.