rlc triples prestige packaging sales

The rlc | packaging group's consistent focus on industry-specific needs is paying off. Sales in the Prestige/Beauty packaging segment have tripled from 2011 to 2013. During the same timeframe, rlc invested some €12 million in its Beauty division. Investments in sustainable technologies, inline finishing equipment and security solutions also benefit rlc customers in the Pharmaceuticals and Luxury goods industries. The reorganization of rlc completed in early 2014 has enabled the group to better meet the needs of major companies and medium-sized manufacturers.

"More than almost any other market segment, the Beauty industry demands maximum flexibility and market orientation," rlc | packaging group CEO Hans-Christian Bestehorn explains. "Industry trends focusing on premium branding, natural beauty products or men's cosmetics require in-depth design and technological know-how which enables us to meet very different packaging requirements efficiently and effectively. As a system supplier we not only need to integrate the modern supply chain and lean concepts into our production. At the same time, these must be implemented in close partnership with customers and within their specific value chains." At rlc, the focus is on continuous process improvement and assimilation of the company's lean production expertise. This includes VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory) and just-in-time concepts along with highly productive technologies and processes.

Professionally finished – and recyclable 

The company supplies a full range of highly effective, efficient solutions. “MetPaper”, for example, offers a fully recyclable alternative to PET coated metallic cardboard. “Laser Gloss” is an inline finishing process that creates a deep-shimmering, high-gloss surface: A special transparent film is used to transfer a laser design to the UV coating of the printed sheet. This film can be used multiple times, which makes the process effective and sustainable. "These finishing technologies enable us to serve the rapidly-growing beauty segment that specializes in cosmetics for men," says Hans-Christian Bestehorn. "For example, metallic or holographic accents give men's products a high-tech look. At the same time, these technologies make the packaging fully recyclable."

Lean processes, demand-based high-end production 

To ensure cost-effective packaging production in the face of increasing demands on finishing and sustainability, growing diversity and shorter time-to-market, rlc offers a complete portfolio of packaging services from a single source. This enables the company to optimally coordinate all process and production steps, from packaging design to software for intelligent artwork lifecycle management, production and post-processing, logistics and custom-configured packaging machinery.

Short setup times and an exceptionally high number of inline finishing processes maximize supply flexibility. For example, a Gallus flexo offset press with twelve print units was recently installed at the rlc site in Poznan, Poland. This modular machine combines flexo, offset, screen printing and other special finishes including cast & cure and cold foil transfer on different substrates. This lowers the cost of professionally finished blanks for mass-market products and for attention-grabbing premium packaging with high range diversity.

Corporate structure focuses on customer requirements

The rlc | packaging group has been operating as a holding company since the beginning of 2014. At this level, European key account managers support international and globally active customers. Medium-sized and regional companies are serviced by local rlc sites. These Centers of Excellence are each geared to different customer needs in rlc target industries: Beauty, Pharma and Food/Luxury goods.

"The key advantage for medium-sized companies lies in the fact that they can access the same knowledge pool as the big FMCG manufacturers," explains Hans-Christian Bestehorn. "The new organization enables smaller companies – and global players – to use the entire rlc knowledge base and benefit from best practice concepts. At the same time, they have the advantage of regional proximity and the flexibility of the local rlc site."

The rlc | packaging group is presenting its in-depth beauty packaging expertise on June 5 & 6 at the Cosmetic Business trade show in Munich (Hall 2, Booth C13).


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