IN the competitive world of winemaking, a bottle’s label is more than just an identifier – it’s an essential element of a winery’s branding, marketing and storytelling. South Africa’s wine industry, celebrated for its exquisite vintages, is now turning heads for its innovations in labelling technology. At the forefront of this transformation are ROTOCON and SCREEN, whose partnership is redefining the landscape of digital inkjet printing for wine labels.
Globally, the label printing industry is flourishing, with projections estimating the market to reach €57.45-billion by 2029, growing at a steady annual rate of 4.09%. For wineries, where label design is as critical as the wine itself, standing out in an increasingly saturated market is imperative. Trends such as customisation, shorter print runs and sustainability have made advanced label technology a necessity.
In South Africa, the premium wine segment is showing strong potential despite economic challenges, according to Vinimark’s late-2024 Market Review. Local producers are increasingly focusing on premiumisation and innovative packaging to differentiate their products. ROTOCON and SCREEN are meeting these demands with cutting-edge solutions tailored to the unique needs of wineries.
ROTOCON, the exclusive distributor of SCREEN’s inkjet printing technology in South Africa for over a decade, has cemented its reputation as a trusted partner in the label industry. By pairing SCREEN’s advanced technology with its ROTOCON Digital Finishing (RDF) machines, they deliver end-to-end solutions that enhance efficiency, quality and creativity.
‘Our success lies in offering world-class printing presses with unmatched service,’ says Michael Aengenvoort, ROTOCON’s group CEO. ‘SCREEN’s technology ensures our customers remain at the forefront of innovation.’
From Cape Town’s boutique wineries to Johannesburg’s large-scale label converters, ROTOCON’s SCREEN installations have set new benchmarks for quality and performance.
The company’s comprehensive support – from installation and training to after-sales service – ensures a seamless transition to the latest technology.
At the heart of ROTOCON and SCREEN’s offering is the Truepress LABEL 350UV SAI series, a versatile digital press designed to meet the needs of modern wineries. This press delivers high-definition, customised labels with rapid turnaround times, catering to both small boutique producers and large-scale operations.
The Truepress LABEL 350UV SAI boasts an expanded colour gamut, including CMYK, white, orange and blue, as well as low-migration inks that comply with stringent industry regulations. Advanced features like digital primers allow for finishes such as embossing and matte effects, adding a luxurious, tactile element to labels.
Automation is another standout feature. SCREEN’s EQUIOS workflow software simplifies operations by streamlining tasks like colour matching and maintenance. Operators can master the system within a week, addressing the industry’s critical shortage of skilled labour.
‘SCREEN’s Truepress LABEL 350UV SAI-S has revolutionised our workflow,’ says Henk Crous, owner of Sign & Seal Labels, a specialist in wine labelling. ‘It’s faster, more efficient and produces incredible quality with minimal waste.’
The press also supports variable data printing (VDP), enabling wineries to create unique labels for each bottle. From personalised designs to QR codes and promotional elements, this capability allows brands to engage consumers in innovative ways.
The synergy between SCREEN’s printing technology and ROTOCON’s RDF finishing machines offers wineries a fully integrated digital solution. While SCREEN’s Truepress LABEL 350UV SAI-S ensures impeccable print quality, ROTOCON’s finishing systems handle precision cutting, embellishments and advanced processes like hot foil stamping and embossing.
‘Labels are an extension of a winery’s story,’ Michael adds. ‘By embracing SCREEN’s cutting-edge inkjet technology, wineries can create visually stunning, precise and durable labels that truly stand out on store shelves.’
PDF of article»» as featured in PPM
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