Stic Image, a label printing company based in Lyon, France, has been a prominent player in the industry since its establishment in 1994. Under the leadership of Cyrille Roze, who took over in 2015, the company has consistently invested in cutting-edge print technologies to maintain its competitive edge. The company, located in a residential area close to Lyon’s city center, operates on a 2,500-square-meter facility with a workforce of 40 employees, running three shifts daily. Stic Image serves a broad customer base of 400 to 500 clients across various industries, including agro-food, pharmaceuticals, and wine and spirits. This diversification is part of a deliberate strategy to reduce dependency on a few large clients.
Sustainability as a Core Focus
Sustainability has become a critical focus for Stic Image, driven by increasing customer demands for environmentally friendly practices. Roze emphasizes that recyclability is now a top priority for customers, often the first question they ask. The company has been working internally to reduce waste, energy consumption, and its carbon footprint. Additionally, Stic Image advises customers on selecting the right labels and packaging to enhance recyclability. Roze notes that customers are increasingly concerned about the overall carbon footprint of the companies they work with, making environmental initiatives crucial for maintaining client relationships.
The Shift to LED Technology
Stic Image’s transition to LED curing technology was a significant step in its sustainability journey. When Roze took over, most of the company’s presses were already equipped with GEW UV systems, which had proven reliable. However, the company faced challenges with other systems, leading Roze to stick with GEW for future investments. In 2024, when Stic Image invested in two new production lines, the opportunity arose to adopt UV LED technology. Roze chose GEW’s ArcLED system, which allows for the interchangeable use of both UV Arc and UV LED curing, providing flexibility in production.
The decision to switch to LED was driven by the need to reduce energy consumption, especially during a period of high energy prices. Roze valued the versatility of the ArcLED system, as it allowed the company to continue using UV for varnishes, which were more cost-effective than LED varnishes at the time. Despite initial concerns from Pressroom Manager Christophe Picca about ink quality and colour profiles, the transition to LED was seamless. The company made only minor adjustments to a few ink recipes, and the cost and availability of LED inks were comparable to traditional UV inks.
Air-Cooled LED for Efficiency
Roze opted for GEW’s air-cooled AeroLED system due to its compact design, ease of installation, and ability to reduce heat and noise in the factory. Since Stic Image does not have air conditioning, the air-cooled system was a practical choice. The AeroLED system also integrated smoothly with the company’s existing extraction systems, requiring no additional modifications.
Cost Savings and Return on Investment
The switch to LED curing has resulted in significant energy savings for Stic Image, estimated at 15% of the company’s total energy consumption. Combined with other efficiency measures, such as upgrading factory lighting, the company expects to save approximately 120 to 130 megawatt-hours annually, translating to around €30,000 in yearly cost savings. Roze anticipates a payback period of about three years for the LED investment. Ultimately, the company aims to transition fully to LED curing, eliminating conventional UV systems entirely once the cost of LED varnishes decreases further.
Operational Benefits and Increased Productivity
Roze and Picca highlight the operational advantages of LED curing, including its ease of use, stability, and consistent performance. The ArcLED system’s on-off functionality ensures consistent quality without the need for lamp replacements or performance adjustments. Picca notes that LED drying has improved production speeds, with the company now running at 50 to 80 meters per minute compared to 50 meters per minute with traditional UV drying. The versatility of the ArcLED system also allows for quick switching between UV and LED, providing flexibility in case of ink supply issues.
Reflecting on the Transition
Roze acknowledges that he initially had reservations about the switch to LED, particularly regarding complexity, ink compatibility, and potential cost savings. However, with the benefit of hindsight, he considers the investment a success. The installation was smooth, the system is user-friendly, and the anticipated energy savings have been realized. Roze emphasizes the importance of seeking feedback from others who had made similar transitions and ensuring that ink suppliers were prepared for the change. He concludes that the timing of the investment was ideal, especially given the sharp increase in electricity prices.
In summary, Stic Image’s shift to LED curing technology has not only enhanced its sustainability profile but also brought significant cost savings and operational efficiencies. The company’s strategic investments in GEW’s ArcLED and AeroLED systems have positioned it well to meet evolving customer demands while reducing its environmental impact. Roze’s leadership and forward-thinking approach have ensured that Stic Image remains a competitive and innovative player in the label printing industry.
.
.
.
#SticImage #LabelPrinting #SustainabilityMatters #LEDTechnology #PrintIndustry #CarbonFootprint #EcoFriendlyPrinting #GEWSystems #UVLEDCuring #PrintInnovation #EnergyEfficiency #GreenManufacturing #Recyclability #LyonBusiness #PrintingSolutions
