Levelling Up: revealing the underlying innovation at LVL technologies!

Breda, 1 February 2024

LVL technologies specialises in track & trace solutions for samples with the aid of innovative 2D-coded tubes and racks. They are constantly pushing back the boundaries in terms of innovation. Unsurprisingly, then, they have set themselves the goal of being the world's most innovative 2D designer and manufacturer, investing a sizeable sum over the past few years in developing new moulds, a new factory, new machinery and high-quality training for their production staff. 

Drawing on many years of experience and knowledge in the field of 2D-coded tubes, LVL technologies' team has gained a valuable competitive edge on the market. Making it the right choice when it comes to state-of-the-art 2D-related products and equipment. 

Retrospective
Whereas market need at the start of 2000 still centred on a system suitable for the subsequent SBS footprint (comprising combinatorial chemistry in 9x9 – 10x10 format racks featuring a barcode on the side), this rapidly shifted over the next few years to high-throughput screening 8x12 racks featuring a 2D code on the bottom, with pushcaps sealed and entirely suited to automation.  

‘Vast quantities of compounds were ordered over the course of this early period and stored in large automatic stores with a max. temperature of +4C^o and min. temperature of -20C^o.. Market share was split between two players around 2004. Their strategy was to provide 2D tubes with pushcaps – and now the first generation of internal screwcaps – to emergent biobanks. However, the biobanks’ storage is and was done in -80 C^o freezers, subsequently followed by the same type of large automatic storage systems used in the pharmaceutical industry. Thus necessitating modifications and bolstering the importance of efficiency. This led to the development of tubes featuring the external screwcap, which is now being used by over 80% of biobanks worldwide and also lends itself well to being used for storage at even lower temperatures such as LN2 “vapour phase” (-196 C^o).’  

Sealing the tube with caps in an ever more controlled, certified environment has become a must since then, and remains so today.

Innovation
You could be forgiven for thinking that after more than 20 years of 2D-related products and equipment virtually no improvements would come to market, but nothing could be further from the truth. ‘In recent years LVL technologies has managed to distinguish itself from the competition by developing co-moulded 2D tubes, co-moulded screwcaps, a new automation-friendly polycarbonate rack design and the revolutionary polycarbonate lid closers.’ 

It will be more than evident that LVL technologies stands for innovation, with market input always having motivated the development, testing and validation of new products in conjunction with customers across the globe. ‘Hence suggestions for modifications to existing products or for the development of new products often arise organically from our close collaboration with our customers in the market. It has already been common for new developments to stem from organisations’ flexibility and market knowledge.’ 

Future
The future of 2D tubes looks bright, with new applications in such industries as food & beverages, crop science and the human diagnostics market. These markets are still working in the traditional way with sticky labels, which are unreliable in comparison to the 2D-coded tubes from LVL technologies as they can come off. ‘A 2D code is permanently added to our tubes using a laser (meaning they can no longer be manipulated), both on the bottom and on the sides, in 2D, 1D and legible to the human eye. It is even possible to laser images such as brand logos onto our tubes.’ 

Nonetheless, LVL technologies will have to bear in mind a number of obstacles and challenges for the future. Consider in this regard the wide array of different materials, automation, storage costs, environmental influences, extremely high operating costs, electricity, etc. ‘In that respect, every market has its own needs and obstacles. It will be down to us to take a solution-oriented approach in order to ensure optimum fulfilment for our customers and the market.’ 

Looking ahead, there is an extensive list of innovative products in the pipeline which will be released to the market over the next few years. ‘Products that are promising and will provide solutions that we at LVL firmly believe in. Applications that should reset the market.’ 

Our ability to stand out 
‘Customers often decide to purchase our products based on our knowledge of the market, their confidence in our production and our long-term relationships. It is far from being a snap decision. What this means is that we put a lot of time and energy into communication with our customers, often enabling us to think quickly on our feet and adopt a solution-oriented approach.’ Hence these short communication channels are typical of LVL technologies. 

LVL technologies closely monitors market developments by attending all major international trade shows through a network consisting of exclusive specialist distributors in approximately 50 countries worldwide. ‘Our close cooperation with key accounts and automation partners is the common theme throughout our global market.’ 

This is also evident from the fact that all of LVL technologies’ products are manufactured in Europe. ‘We deem it important for our products to be produced in Europe to enable us to manufacture and supply swiftly, to a high standard of quality, maintaining short communication channels and preferably the same drive. All aspects from start to finish, from initial contact with customers to final production, are managed in-house. The resultant reduction in transport costs is a nice additional benefit. Which is why we believe Europe is the place to be.’