Bobst recently outlined what promises to be an exciting K 2019 both for the company and for the industry as a whole, with the launch of several important new innovations, including a new CI flexo press, new mono material laminate solutions and a new CI flexo pre-press workflow center of excellence.
“The plastics industry is starting to undergo one of the biggest transformations it has ever seen. Packaging encompasses almost 40% of plastic use globally, so it is our duty to address this challenge and to deliver on a vision for the industry with new innovative machinery and solutions,” says Stephan März, head of business unit – Web-fed at Bobst. “This is a challenge that needs to be addressed in a fast-paced and collaborative manner. We believe that our announcements at K 2019, which takes place from 16 to 23 October 2019, will be the tipping point for the industry to change and where BOBST will play a major role.”
A new CI Flexo press
BOBST will launch a brand-new CI flexo press at K 2019. The new CI flexo press features technical innovations and automation that ensure repeatable process consistency, minimum waste and easy manufacturing. It is believed to be ideal for converters looking to add a powerful and reliable production tool to their operation.
New high barrier mono material laminates solutions designed for recyclability
To drive sustainability further, Bobst has joined forces with other pioneering companies – Brückner Maschinenbau, Dow Chemicals, Elba and Hosokawa Alpine – to announce high barrier mono-material laminates. Several different types of mono-material standup pouches – MDO PE, BOPE, BOPP and CPP – will be on display at K 2019, demonstrating the result of considerable investment and intense research by Bobst and its partners for a significant environmental positive impact.
“The solutions that Bobst is announcing at K 2019 are genuine breakthrough innovations that we believe have a major role to play in the future of packaging manufacturing,” adds März. “In a fast-changing environment, we are staying ahead of the curve to find the solutions for tomorrow.”
New CI flexo pre-press workflow center of excellence
At the same time as K 2019, Bobst will unveil a flexo pre-press solution installed in the Competence Center of Bobst Bielefeld. The solution, dedicated to converters, partners and brand owners, is a one stop shop to develop and demonstrate a new generation of flexo printing for the future, such as recyclable substrates, water based and E-beam printing, and 7-color ECG. The pre-press area is equipped with the advanced technologies and expertise from suppliers in workflow and plate making equipment, covering the full process from the file to platemaking.
“The new center enables an industry vision to become reality,” says März. “We need to help all key industry players to acquire solutions to reduce the environmental impact of flexible packaging. Not by changing customer habits but by new technology developments and innovations.”
At the same time as K 2019, three Bobst open houses are taking place, in Germany, Italy and the UK, dedicated to CI flexo printing, coating and vacuum metallizing respectively. Packages presented at K 2019 will have been produced at these three sites, demonstrating the quality of outputs from BOBST machines first-hand.
“Our competence centers provide a unique space that can benefit not only Bobst and its customers but the industry as a whole,” März explains. “We have all the relevant technology to be able to test the viability of industrializing new materials from raw material to printed and converted packaging and labels. This means that when it comes to industry partnerships to develop materials that both meet sustainability criteria and can be widely utilized in packaging processes, we can add a lot of value.”
The announcements at K 2019 tradeshow combined with the open houses demonstrate that Bobst has a vision for the flexible packaging industry, the future of CI flexo press printing and a strong commitment to sustainability.
Packaging South Asia’s editor, Naresh Khanna will be covering K 2019 and can be reached through the TeamIndia@K WhatsApp group. Interested persons can join the WhatsApp group by sending their name, phone number, and company name to edit10@ippgroup.in.
