Decoration apparatus for decorating a web of labeling material and method of decorating a web of label material

Decoration apparatus (1, 1′) for decorating a web of labeling material (2) comprising:

• conveyor (6) for advancing the web of labeling material (2) between a first station (7) and a second station (8);
• an activation unit (9) adapted to apply an electromagnetic activation energy at an activation station (10) onto the web of labeling material (2) for selectively activating photoactivatable pigments (3) present in the web of labeling material (2);
• and
• a temperature-conditioning unit (14),
• wherein:
• at least a portion of the temperature-conditioning unit (14) is arranged between the first station (7) and the second station (8);
• the activation unit (9) comprises at least one laser assembly (33) adapted to direct at the activation station (10), in use, a laser irradiation onto the advancing web of labeling material (2);
• and
• the temperature-conditioning unit (14) is adapted to (i) actively cool and heat the web of labeling material (2), and (ii) in use, cool and heat the web of labeling material (2) prior, during or after selective activation of the activatable pigments (3).