ARMOR-IIMAK, leading providers of thermal transfer ribbons, will highlight a revolutionary wax ribbon that redefines the standards of sustainability, performance, and efficiency in Thermal Transfer label printing at Propak Cape at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 27 -29 October 2026.  

The AWR XL range is the first wax ribbon to feature a 100% solvent-free formulation, including the backcoat, and is manufactured using an ultra-thin 3.35µm PET film, which is the thinnest in the industry. 

According to Andrew Fosbrook, Director of ARMOR-IIMAK Middle East & Africa, this technology breakthrough results in up to 26% less plastic waste, as well as 830g of CO₂ emissions saved per roll, which means significant reductions in packaging and core waste. 

With its extra-long roll length, AWR XL offers up to 40% more printer uptime, reducing roll changes and boosting productivity, resulting in lower operational costs, reduced storage and logistics needs and enhanced workflow efficiency.  Despite its environmental and operational advantages, AWR XL maintains the high-quality print hallmark performance of ARMOR-IIMAK ribbons, while requiring less printhead energy to achieve optimal results. 

The AWR XL range is designed for flat-head printers and traditional applications such as logistics, retail, and shipping. “It delivers a powerful combination of eco-conscious innovation and operational excellence, setting a new benchmark in the wax ribbon category. These features make AWR XL a compelling solution for companies seeking to align with growing environmental regulations and sustainability goals,” adds Fosbrook.

Positioned alongside AWR 1 and AWR 8, AWR XL strengthens ARMOR-IIMAK’s wax ribbon portfolio, offering distributors and partners a differentiated, value-added solution in a traditionally price-driven market. 

In addition to the AWR XL ribbons, ARMOR-IIMAK will showcase their comprehensive range of thermal transfer ribbons, meeting 99% of marking demands in the industry. This includes their inkanto range of branded thermal transfer ribbons, which combines quality, security, simplicity and longevity.  

Visit ARMOR-IIMAK at Stand A7 in Hall 1 at Propak Cape at the CTICC.  

About ARMOR-IIMAK

ARMOR-IIMAK specialises in the production of inked consumables for thermal transfer printers, the technology most used for printing barcodes, logos, expiry dates and batch numbers onto labels or directly on to packaging films. 

ARMOR-IIMAK is part of the global ARMOR group, established in 1922 and headquartered in Nantes, France. The company has 29 locations worldwide and employs over 1,500 people. To service the South African and East African markets, ARMOR-IIMAK has production plants in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Nairobi. The sales office in Dubai enhances the group’s support and service in the Middle East.

All ribbons are produced in South Africa in their world-class manufacturing facility, which carries triple ISO certifications for quality, environment and occupational health, and safety. 

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