Tackling Packaging Technology

There is no denying that packaging is becoming a segment of the print industry that printers of all types are starting to pay closer attention to. We talked to some of the vendors on the show floor, and got an idea of just a few of the solutions and technologies you might want to learn more about while you’re here:

EFI (Booth 1501): “With the EFI Nozomi press, businesses can see how production-volume digital is now becoming economically possible in corrugated packaging, and that opens the doors to a number of versioning, multi-SKU and geographic targeting programs for corrugated packaging that was not possible in the past,” says Jose Luis Ramon Moreno, general manager, EFI Industrial Printing.

Gerber (Booth 1656): Dana E. Goodale, Director of Hardware and Software Solutions, Gerber Technology, believes printers should look at, “front end dimensional packaging design software, replete with templates for different packaging offerings, which can be a huge help in creating and presenting packaging concepts.” He also notes, “flatbed finishing tables add a new dimension to packaging offerings. Printers should see how the can integrate printed graphics with cardboard and corrugated packaging and POP.”

KBA-Kammann (Booth 4013): “Hybrid machines provide the best of both worlds by combining the advantages of on-demand digital technology with existing screen printing capabilities,” notes Paul Bolduc, President, KBA-Kammann USA. “The technologies complement each other allowing printers to offer the highest value-add to their customers. Hybrid digital printers offer personalization, just in time delivery and reduced waste. It reduces the very expensive cost inefficiencies of setup and multiple color screen/plate charges that make low volume printing unacceptable while maintaining the capability for special customer brand colors.”

Mutoh (Booth 2545): “Attendees should check out digital printers, more specifically UV-LED hybrid printers like the new Mutoh ValueJet 1638UH 64-inch hybrid printer that lets you print on rigid material up to 0.5 inches thick or easily converted to a roll printer for signage or other types of packaging and displays,” says David Conrad, Director of Sales and Marketing, Mutoh America.

Racad Tech (Booth 2610): Reuben Quesus, Director of Business Development, Racad Tech, Inc. says, “I think ours will definitely create a buzz. The great thing about this technology which is part of the W2P Shop uDRAW suite of tools, is that our customers can configure fixed box sizes and can also enable dynamic box sizes which is challenging. I think it is a dose of fresh technology with unique capabilities that helps advance the sales of boxes and packaging products online.”

And this is just a small selection of the companies and technologies you can find around packaging at SGIA Expo this year. Share your best photos, technologies and packaging solutions you come across at the show using #SGIAExpo on social media!