In most cases, labels are arranged symmetrically.
It saves space and keeps the consumption of materials to a minimum.

However, this configuration is less beneficial for the rotary die-cutting process. The vertical lines tend to cut more forcefully than horizontal lines and high contact pressure causes the vertical lines to cut even deeper. This can damage the liner material; it causes wear and lasting damage to all components in the cutting unit.

Staggered layout

German leading supplier of die-cutting tools Wink Stanzwerkzeuge and Esko combined forces, resulting in the ProShift^? technology.

The partnership joins Wink's innovative die-cutting technology with Esko’s 'staggered cut' software and Esko Kongsberg cutting tables.

The ProShift^? system counteracts the negative effects of conventional flexible dies in a very simple way. The label layout is vertically shifted (staggered) so that the die edge is shaped in steps. This significantly reduces the number of horizontal lines and evenly distributes the cutting pressure which, in its turn, increases tool lifetime.