Industry News
W&H develops digital printing machine for flexible packaging
While digital printing is already firmly established in the label and commercial printing sector, flexible packaging continues to be a challenge. W&H, machine builder and specialist for flexible packaging, has reached a first milestone in its development project with a machine concept for a new digital printing machine. Now, the technology leader starts onboarding partners, including leading inkjet printhead manufacturer Xaar. The digital printing machine from W&H is based on piezo inkjet technology. “We see a need in the flexible packaging market to use digital printing in addition to the established processes. This is driven by the need for faster time-to- market and very short order lengths,” explains Dr Jurgen Vutz, CEO of W&H. “However, the application of flexible packaging has very special requirements, for example regarding the adhesion of the ink to the film. As specialists in this market, we bring expert knowledge to offer answers to these challenges. Firstly, by continuously advancing the established processes such as flexo and gravure printing. And secondly, by opening up the possibilities of digital printing for flexible packaging.” Sven Michael, head of the digital team at W&H, comments, “High availability and usability in daily use are our top priorities. Our goal is to go to market with a functioning and mature digital printing machine that delivers on the promises of digital printing for flexible packaging as well,” summarises Vutz.
Gourmade get Qualvis to create unique pack
Frozen ready-meals brand, Gourmade, has recently worked with carton manufacturer, Qualvis, to produce a range of vibrant packs aimed at consumers on-the-go. Looking to ‘shake-up’ the frozen food market with no- fuss convenience solutions, the Gourmade range consists of main meals, sides dishes and desserts, based on traditional recipes, all made in small batches to enhance the quality and flavour of the food. The packaging is based on a lift and reveal box format to incorporate some
mouth-watering food photography and serving suggestions. To complement a ‘homecooked’ look, the brightly coloured packs feature a hand-written font, as well as coloured ‘frozen from fresh’ roundels randomly placed on each pack for an extra helping of homely informality. The packaging was designed by creative agency, Robot Food. Qualvis’ Richard Pacey said: “We produced the vibrant packs on folding box
board suitable for freezer and chilled environments, with an all over matt varnish. The randomly placed roundels were finished with a spot gloss to reinforce the 'frozen from fresh' message and add a premium quality differentiation to the packs. We also introduced a full flap top which is a unique feature for a machine erect carton and tied in with the top flap sleeve designs to unify the whole range over the different formats.”
Metsä Board invests in sheeting line
Metsä Board has started construction of a new sheeting line at its Äänekoski board mill. The investment will increase the annual capacity of the sheeting plant by 35,000 tonnes to a total of 120,000 tonnes. The value of the investment is EUR 11 million. The new sheeting line will help ensure that the mill can continue to respond to increasing demand. In addition to the new sheet cutter the investment includes additional
automation to the existing sheet cutters as well as equipment for cutter reel handling and storage. The new sheeting line will be located in the existing sheeting plant and production is planned to start during September 2019.
Bonset America increases its production capacity
In response to the growth of the global heat shrinkable film market, Bonset America Corporation will be increasing their film capacity from early 2020. The forthcoming increase will add an additional 30 per cent in overall PETG film production capacity at Bonset America Corporation. Mitsuhiro Iwata, CEO at Bonset America Corporation said, “We are pleased to be able to meet the market’s demands and building on our already strong rapport with our loyal customers. This addition is a welcoming sight not only to our business, but the heat shrinkable film industry as a whole. We will continue to bring full solutions to the heat shrinkable film market providing films of exceptional quality and increased productivity.” Bonset America along with their parent company CI Takiron manufactures heat shrinkable films for use in full body labeling applications, bundle packaging and tamper evident applications.
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