Packaging
NEWMAN 4VAL LABELLING SYSTEM HANDLES LONG LABELS FOR MERCK SERONO IN ITALY
Thursday 11. June 2009 - Newman Labelling Systems, a leading manufacturer of labelling systems with models designed specifically for the pharmaceutical industry, has had its Model 4VAL purchased by Merck Serono in Italy as a solution to applying wrap-around labels.
Merck Serono is the division for innovative small molecules and biopharmaceuticals of Merck KGaA. With comprehensive skills in all areas from research and development to manufacturing, marketing and sales, the division offers its world-class products in over 150 countries worldwide.
As part of its continued growth, Merck Serono has purchased a 4VAL labelling system from Newman Labelling. The 4VAL is being used to label glass vials, ampoules, syringes & carpoules for clinical trials and was chosen because of its ability to apply extended length wrap around labels, as Walter Spaziani explains: “Since we were moving towards the wrap-around label technology, our supplier (Faubel in Germany) informed us of Newman Labelling, which we ended up contacting. Based on our requirements (a fast, small-scale and flexible machine), we were offered the 4VAL.
“It will allow us to have one presentation for all countries participating in our clinical trials, as opposed to having 4-5 different presentations in the past. Of course, instead of applying the wrap-around labels by hand, the use of the 4VAL reduces the labelling timelines.”
The 4VAL was ideal for Merck Serono as it combines flexibility with quality, enabling the accurate and consistent application of very long multiple wrap labels onto small diameter products. The labels are only glued at each end and wrapped around the container a few times, so accurate registration is essential.
Merck Serono was also impressed by the 4VAL’s ability to handle such a wide range of container types with the minimum of change parts.
The 4VAL PLC was modified by Newman Labelling for this application to give batch counting and control, stopping the system after a predetermined (variable) number of products have been labelled.
Designed to apply both clear and paper self-adhesive labels to a range of rigid cylindrical containers, the 4VAL’s cGMP design and robust stainless steel construction ensure efficient operation, whilst features are kept to a minimum to meet the demand for low cost, quality machines.
The 4VAL comes with a number of features as standard including Siemens PLC Control interlocked guarding, straight label arm adjustable in all axes and hand wheel adjustment. As with all Newman labelling systems, the 4VAL is available with a full validation documentation package and implementation.