Over 130 years of innovation in label and packaging printing

Since its foundation in 1891, our customer Eshuis has developed from a small label printing company into an internationally recognized specialist for labels and packaging solutions. Today, the family business stands for the intelligent combination of tradition, state-of-the-art printing technology and sustainable action – supported by long-term partnerships along the entire value chain.

“We have always continued to develop – technologically and organizationally. Standing still has never been an option for Eshuis,” says Peter Overbeek, CEO of Eshuis. “Reliable partners like Zeller+Gmelin play a decisive role in bringing innovations safely into practice.”

From craftsmanship to high-tech production

Eshuis originally produced simple labels for food packaging such as milk cartons or bread paper. From the 1950s onwards, the company expanded its portfolio to include pressure-sensitive labels. When Peter Overbeek joined the company in 1993, cardboard packaging and flexible packaging also played an important role alongside labels. At that time, conventional offset printing still dominated – with correspondingly complex printing plate preparation.

With the technological shift towards digital printing (Indigo) and UV flexo printing, close coordination with material and technology partners has also become increasingly important. Today, around 80 percent of orders are produced digitally, while UV flexo is used for large print runs – supported by high-performance ink and coating systems from Zeller+Gmelin, which ensure high process stability.

“Digital printing gives us the flexibility that our customers expect today – short lead times, high quality and maximum customization,” says Overbeek. “The decisive factor here is that the printing inks and processes are perfectly coordinated.”

Innovation through automation and inline color measurement

Eshuis sees the greatest potential for innovation in the further automation of digital and flexographic printing processes. A key project here is the introduction of DeltaOne, an inline color measurement system that was implemented around two years ago.

“With DeltaOne, we measure colors directly during production – without stopping the machine,” explains process engineer Eshuis. “In combination with the stable printing inks from Zeller+Gmelin, we achieve very consistent color reproduction and significantly reduce waste and set-up times.”

Jelle Overbeek, Operational Manager, also sees this as a clear competitive advantage:
“Consistent quality is crucial, especially for complex multicolor or spot color jobs. Inline measuring systems such as DeltaOne help us to reliably maintain this level.”

Customized label solutions for complex requirements

Eshuis is particularly known for its customized label solutions – including duo, trio or double-sided labels. These make it possible to implement extensive legal labeling requirements in a limited space.

“Our customers are often faced with the challenge of fitting a lot of information onto very small packaging,” explains Peter Overbeek. “Our solutions help to meet legal requirements without compromising on design or legibility.”

Eshuis also specializes in shrink sleeves for a wide range of applications and formats. These are used in particular in the pharmaceutical and food industries, where high demands are placed on print quality, material performance and regulatory safety.

Another specialty is the production of large round cheese labels on very thin types of paper. Eshuis has a unique production process for this, which guarantees high process stability and exact color reproduction even with extremely light materials.

Eshuis has also established itself as a reliable supplier in the chemical industry. Smaller runs in particular are produced digitally here – flexibly, economically and with high reproducibility. Special acid-resistant varnishes from Zeller+Gmelin are used to protect the labels from aggressive media, ensuring high resistance and long-term durability.

“Especially in sensitive industrial areas, the combination of technical precision, regulatory know-how and efficient partners is crucial,” says process engineer Eshuis. “The close coordination with Zeller+Gmelin enables us to implement even demanding applications safely.”

Sustainability as an integral part of the strategy

Sustainability is not a trend at Eshuis, but an integral part of the corporate strategy. Recycled and recyclable materials are used where technically and economically feasible. At the same time, the company invests in energy-efficient LED UV technology, optimized machine controls and the collection of CO₂ data.

Sustainability is also playing an increasingly important role in the selection of printing inks and coatings. In coordination with Zeller+Gmelin, printing inks are used and further developed to increase process reliability and support regulatory requirements.

“We systematically collect carbon footprint data to make our environmental impact measurable,” explains Overbeek. “This only works with partners who take sustainability as seriously as we do.”

At the same time, Eshuis is preparing intensively for the EU packaging regulation (PPWR). A specialized team is working on process adjustments, data collection and compliance management.

Partnership and printing inks as a success factor

The cooperation between Eshuis and Zeller+Gmelin goes far beyond the mere supply of printing inks. In addition to product performance, it includes technical advice, color synchronization with the printing presses, support with inline measuring systems and assistance with complex multicolor applications.

“Together, we have achieved a very high level of process stability, particularly for opaque white, lacquers and demanding multicolor jobs,” emphasizes process engineer Eshuis. “This gives us security – even for international brand projects.”

Successful applications include food labels, flexible packaging and projects such as the Coca-Cola Bow Labels, where precise color matching, coatings, adhesives and white printing are crucial to the end result.

Future-oriented – thinking ahead together

Eshuis has clear goals for the future: stable and efficient printing processes, reduced energy consumption and reliable compliance with regulatory requirements.

“Our aim is to intelligently combine large flexo productions and flexible digital orders – sustainably, efficiently and at the highest level of quality,” summarizes Peter Overbeek. “Long-term partnerships, such as the one with Zeller+Gmelin, are a key success factor for this.”