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Despite losses in market share, paper labels continue to dominate. by Kate Sharon, Associate Editor WITH ALL THE talk about film substrates, it's easy to forget that paper is still the most widely used material for packaging labels. Films, and their sister substrates synthetic papers, often take the limelight thanks to the mounting popularity of shrink materials and the need for evermore durable labels. In the end, however, paper's simplicity and practicality persist. "Paper is still the dominant label type, with over 70 percent of the market by volume," said Paul Bailin, an industry analyst and author of a study called "World Labels," soon

Laser digital converting's efficiency and flexibility present compelling competition for conventional diecutting. by Sue Friedman, Editor WITH ALL ITS flashy trappings, laser digital converting technology could have been hyped to the max. The process, which actually vaporizes material in order to accomplish various finishing operations, is instead quietly edging toward mainstream applications. How deep a niche will it ultimately etch? A typical laser digital converting system can include a CO2 laser, power unit, chiller, controller, software, smoke containment system, and web handling system (if not integrated into an existing press or finishing line). Camera-based vision systems may be needed for critical registration requirements. All