Labelling Solutions
Case study: Speed, versatility, and wider color gamut: Soabar secures success with BOBST Inkjet label press
general is demanding the use of more interesting, complex and challenging materials. In many cases, white is a necessity, so not having that capability was proving a challenge. Thanks to BOBST, we no longer have that issue.”
Steve Lakin, sales manager, orinting and converting, at Bobst UK & Ireland, having a long-standing working relationship with Soabar and Mr Gallagher, oversaw the investment.
“After speaking to Rob and the team at Soabar, the issues they were facing became clear. The BOBST inkjet platform provided them with the perfect solution to their challenges and it is pleasing to know that the investment is paying off for Soabar in such a big way.”
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K converter Soabar continues to benefit from its investment in BOBST’s Inkjet technology for label production, as the Leicester-based company’s use of digital goes from strength to strength.
Soabar recently celebrated its 50th year in business and continues to invest in cutting- edge manufacturing equipment to maintain a leading position in the markets it serves. One of its latest investments has been a BOBST inkjet label press with a seven-color digital printing unit officially PANTONE validated, CMYK+OVW, printing at up to 100 m/min. The inclusion of white, which can be printed at 70% opacity at 45 m/min, and the expanded substrate versatility of the press were particular benefits to Soabar. Other gains include a wider color gamut achievable using seven colors and faster printing speeds when compared to the company’s existing toner- based digital presses.
Soabar is not new to digital, having previously operated toner-based digital presses. However, after acknowledging changes in the market, responding to requests from its customers, and identifying limitations
32 June 2025
with its existing digital printing equipment, the BOBST inkjet press was added to its expanding production floor in 2023. Rob Gallagher, production director, says: “We had been looking into inkjet for a while. As we continued to invest in and develop our use of digital printing, it became apparent that we needed to add something new to our production mix.
“BOBST’s inkjet technology provided the perfect solution for our needs. In particular, the ability to print high-opacity white onto a range of materials that includes clear films and metallic substates, has given us access to work that we previously could not produce using existing digital printing equipment. The fact we can do this at high-speed is a bonus and has been a genuine benefit to us.” Having operated the press for a little over 12 months, Soabar has been impressed with both the press and the impact it has had on its business. “The BOBST press has made us more diverse and brought in new business as a result,” confirmd Mr Gallagher. “The ability to handle a broad range of substrates was critical to our investment decision, as the label market and print in
Soabar is in the process of expanding its manufacturing floor by a third, with the BOBST label press to have a prominent position when the work is completed. Updated printing capability is to be complemented by enhanced finishing and converting, including the ability to create peel and reveal labels. This is an option Soabar is specifically planning to add to its capabilities.
Mr Lakin identified this as a trend he is seeing across pressrooms up and down the country, with Soabar looking to get in on the action.
“High-quality print is a prerequisite these days; it is expected by customers,” stated Mr Gallagher. “By adding new finishing and converting capabilities, we will be able to grow our business even further. Peel and reveal is one area where this will happen. Legislative changes and the requirement for labels to carry more and more printed information are placing high demand for this type of label format
“Our recent investments have all been geared towards helping us grow and have proved to be the right ones. BOBST’s Inkjet Technology has added another string to our bow and made sure we are able to meet the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow.”
www.convertermag.com
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