Nordvalls Etikett Drives Label Industry Automation with Sixth Martin Automatic MBS Investment

Nordvalls Etikett Drives Label Industry Automation with Sixth Martin Automatic MBS Investment

As the global packaging and label printing industry navigates a transformative period defined by supply chain pressures and the pressing need for sustainable manufacturing, leading converters are turning to intelligent automation to secure their competitive edge. A prime example is Nordvalls Etikett, one of Scandinavia's premier label suppliers. Operating six state-of-the-art production sites across Northern Europe, the company has recently reaffirmed its commitment to operational excellence by installing its sixth Martin Automatic MBS non-stop unwind and splicer system. This latest technological integration, fitted to an ABG Omega finishing line, underscores a broader industry pivot from raw press speed to uninterrupted, reliable efficiency.

Eliminating Bottlenecks: Efficiency Over Speed

In the highly competitive label and narrow web sector, finishing lines often become unexpected choke points. Nordvalls recognized that their ABG Omega finishing equipment was creating a production bottleneck because it operated at a slower pace than the upstream printing presses. By integrating the Martin Automatic MBS non-stop unwind and butt splicer, Nordvalls successfully cleared this hurdle. The technology allows the rolls of substrate to be changed and spliced on the fly, without halting the line.

According to Patrik Jenemark, Group CEO of Nordvalls, the decision to repeatedly invest in Martin Automatic technology was not fundamentally about increasing machine speed, but rather optimizing overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). "What we value most of all is the reliable efficiency they bring to our production," Jenemark noted. By keeping the presses running non-stop, the company can produce significantly more per shift while maintaining consistently higher quality and drastically reducing the amount of wasted substrate—a crucial metric for modern converters.

Strategic Drivers: Trends Shaping the 2024-2026 Packaging Landscape

The investment strategy of Nordvalls, which generates an annual turnover exceeding 300 million EUR and forms part of the German Possehl Group, is heavily influenced by dynamic market forces. The printed packaging market is currently in a state of flux, shifting rapidly toward digital production and highly agile flexographic workflows. Jenemark points to four clear trends driving the sector through 2026:

• Personalization and Customization: Consumer brands increasingly demand tailored packaging solutions that require shorter print runs and faster changeovers.
• Proliferation of Niche Brands: The rise of artisan and boutique products necessitates agile label production capable of handling diverse designs with premium finishes.
• Sustainability: Reducing material waste is a top ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) priority. Splicing automation minimizes the substrate lost during manual roll changes.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stricter global regulations around traceability and packaging safety require consistent print quality, which non-stop automated systems help guarantee.

The Broader Impact on the Paper and Packaging Industry

The ongoing deployment of automation technologies like those from Martin Automatic is reshaping the broader paper and corrugated packaging landscape. At recent industry showcases, including Labelexpo 2024 and 2025, a recurring theme has been the critical shortage of skilled labor. Automated splicing mechanisms not only improve press uptime but also significantly reduce operator fatigue. By automating the heavy lifting and precise timing required for roll changes, converters can reallocate their workforce to more value-added quality control and prepress tasks.

Furthermore, the environmental impact cannot be overstated. The paper and pulp industries are under immense pressure to minimize their carbon footprint. Traditional manual splicing inevitably results in several meters of wasted material as the press ramps down and speeds back up. The Martin MBS system guarantees a perfect splice every time at running speeds, meaning fewer rejected labels and a substantial reduction in raw material waste over a fiscal year.

A Blueprint for Future Growth

Nordvalls Etikett refers to its forward-looking strategy as 'Nordvalls 2.0', blending over a century of traditional craftsmanship—dating back to its founding in 1907 by Victor Hugo Olsson—with cutting-edge digital and automated technologies. The continuous investment in Martin Automatic equipment across its Mark Andy, Gallus, and ABG Omega machines highlights a vital lesson for the global printing industry: sustainable profitability lies in seamless integration and continuous operation.

As the paper, corrugated board, and label sectors continue to evolve in 2026, the strategic alignment between ambitious converters and innovative equipment manufacturers will remain the cornerstone of industry progress. Nordvalls' operational model serves as a definitive blueprint for packaging companies worldwide aiming to master the delicate balance of high volume, premium quality, and stringent sustainability goals.