First manufactured in 1921, the semi-bitter liqueur Kuemmerling is nowadays one of the most renowned spirit brands in Germany and holds the number one spot in the small bottle sector. In 2012, the parent company Henkell & Co. Group decided to search for a new rear label solution so that the striking 2-cl bottles could also be sold individually.
 

A rear label requiring special attention

The purpose of the rear label was to disclose different types of product information alongside the EAN code, depending on the target country. However, the label could not be applied using the existing plant. "The geometry of the bottles means they have to pass through our Krones filler labelling block in a material carrier that completely covers the rear of the bottles," explains Jörg Wambach from the Technical Plant Planning division at the Henkell & Co. Group. "This is why we opted for an additional machine." Henkell & Co found the ideal partner in German labelling specialist RENNER. As a leading alternative supplier of solutions for Krones machines, RENNER had already supplied the Kuemmerling plant in Bodenheim near Mainz with new format and spare parts on numerous occasions, and had also overhauled individual machines. This time, however, a new high-performance labelling machine was required. The S series in RENNER's portfolio was the ideal solution.

A new labelling machine – the RENNER S960

In the new labelling solution, the first step is to apply the new rear label to the Kuemmerling bottles in the filler labelling block. Once discharged, the bottles are lifted out of the material carrier and placed on a second conveyor with the empty material carriers. The new RENNER S960 machine, equipped with an 8-part wet-adhesive unit and 32 cam-controlled bottle pads, then applies the label to the front. The precise design and technology means the Kuemmerling label is applied with the utmost precision. The outstanding precision of the RENNER S machine was a key requirement for the Henkell & Co. Group as overlaps or a lack of symmetry are particularly noticeable in the overall look, especially when it comes to small bottles.

Labels accurately applied to 36,000 bottles per hour

Despite the high output quantity of 36,000 bottles per hour, the labels are applied with the same degree of perfection as before. Whilst it might have taken some time until all the individual plant components from the various manufacturers were optimally coordinated with one another, the final result meets all expectations. "The plant has been reliable to date and a worthwhile investment, because without the rear label, it would not be possible to sell the appealing 2-cl bottles individually in many countries without manual reworking."