December 2024 - Koenig & Bauer Durst Digital Packaging Print

Koenig & Bauer Wins Best Folding Carton Case Study at Digital Packaging Summit

Koenig & Bauer presented a user case study encompassing digital printing and the new digitalization including the new installations of the VariJET 106 from Koenig & Bauer Durst in Europe
Attendees learned how current and future industrial digital printing technology, software and solutions will impact their business and investment decisions
Showcased the impressive capabilities of Koenig & Bauer’s RotaJET digital web-fed printing system, the myKyana digital ecosystem, and groundbreaking Connected Packaging solution integrating the brand, the converter, and the consumer

Chris Lyons, President/Publisher Packaging Impressions & PPC (far left) and David Pesko, Event Director of the Digital Packaging Summit (far right), present Sandra Wagner, Vice President Digitalization at Koenig & Bauer, and Stephen Sanker, National Sales Director for Digital Web at Koenig & Bauer (US), with the award for the Best Folding Carton Case Study at the Digital Packaging Summit in Florida

Koenig & Bauer is extremely proud to accept the first-place award for the best folding carton case study at the tenth annual Digital Packaging Summit, held in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL in early November 2024. Its two top executives – Stephen Sanker, National Sales Director for Digital Web at Koenig & Bauer (US), and Sandra Wagner, Vice President Digitalization at Koenig & Bauer – successfully delivered a very compelling folding carton case study to the summit’s senior managers and business executives who want to understand how current and future digital production printing technology, software and solutions will impact their business and investment decisions.

Stephen Sanker says: “This is our second win in three years. We felt that we made a huge impact with converters showing them the impressive capabilities of Koenig & Bauer’s digital portfolio including the VariJET 106 digital sheetfed printing system, RotaJET digital web-fed printing system, the myKyana digital ecosystem, and our groundbreaking Connected Packaging solution. Our presentation of a real-life application fostered a lot of questions and interest, opening dialogue about planning and strategy. We were able to demonstrate how Koenig & Bauer has set itself apart and offer very effective tools.”

During the three-day event, experts presented cutting-edge digital solutions that are transforming the packaging industry. Sandra Wagner was one such expert who presented an analysis of how digital printing can open up new possibilities for companies of all sizes. She also shared valuable insights into how Koenig & Bauer is leveraging the latest technology to drive innovation and enhance the customer experience. Both Sanker and Wagner conducted a series of popular one-on-one meetings. Their message to converters was to embrace the future of industrial scale digital production while forging stronger connections between brands and consumers.

Koenig & Bauer’s massive knowledge in sheet and web-fed solutions fueled application developments in the folding carton segment offering unmatched industrial production volumes and brand level color surpassing all standards in the category. Its RotaJET high-speed industrial digital inkjet web press prints and produces with superior image quality, substrate versatility, and print volume. The VariJET 106 from Koenig & Bauer Durst integrates all the know-how and expertise by combining digital and offset so customers can have the best of both worlds for the ultimate hybrid printing system. The central customer portal, myKyana, offers data-driven productivity tools with real-time production data analysis to help to make smarter decisions faster for positive impact.

“This is a very important event on the digital packaging marketing calendar,” says Sandra Wagner. “It offers strategic-level insights into what printing and converting industry leaders should do to improve and optimize their business. We felt that the tremendous positive reaction we received from the attendees lets us know that we have the correct approach. The Digital Packaging Summit is the leading event for digital printing and digitalization.”

Interesting website: www.digitalpackagingsummit.com

18. December 2024

Pure digital packaging production creativity with clever collaboration

Case Studies, General News

By Simon Lewis, Senior Vice-President, Marketing, Strategy &Business Development, Highcon Systems Ltd

Highcon Systems prides itself on being print agnostic.

We can digitally die cut all kinds of print. And we take pride in working with everybody who is driving the digital revolution, enabling faster job turnaround, radical economics and great print quality.

One of the companies we have been delighted to work with over the last few years has been Koenig & Bauer Durst, an important digital driver in the folding carton and corrugated space.

The power to inspire and unbox fresh new possibilities was perfectly demonstrated with Koenig & Bauer Durst and Scodix during drupa 2024.

The unique, in the moment, collaboration perfectly demonstrated how same-day turnaround pure digital production can quickly become a production reality.

The examples of how packaging can transcend the ordinary included a premium whisky box printed on the Koenig & Bauer Durst VariJET 106, digitally embellished with Scodix’s Ultra 6500 SHD machine and completed with our Beam 3 digital die-cutting system.

These were live demonstrations of a true digital production platform, which perfectly illustrated what converters can achieve for their own customers and the kind of new value propositions that are possible.

The result: transformation into a complete shelf-ready package.

There is no time like the present. Mainstreaming digital die cutting, embellishing and printing.

17. December 2024

Giving dog food packaging the woof factor

Case Studies, General News

By Anthony Memme, Digital Print Manager, Atlantic Packaging Products Ltd

Traditional dog food packaging can be a little ruff and we want to give consumers paws for thought by shaking things up.

We are going to unleash some creativity with a plan to add the top 10 most common dog breeds to our customers’ packaging to bring a more customized experience to market.

It will be a howling success by enabling customers to feel more connected with their brands and helped increase loyalty.

The ability to quickly and easily create perfect personalized packaging is made possible by our Koeing & Bauer Durst Delta SPC 130 digital press system that uses food-safe water-based inks.

It empowers us to help brands to explore the impact of their approach in a scalable way while being able to adapt in response to immediate feedback.

Now we are very excited to be taking the lead to show we can help other brands forge stronger connections in Canada and further afield and be top dogs with their customers.

12. December 2024

Delivering topline service with a hands-on approach

Events, General News

By André Menge, Service Manager, Koenig & Bauer Durst

It’s been a whirlwind first three months in my new role as service manager for Koenig & Bauer Durst.

Coming from the semi-conductor industry, it was always going to be a steep learning curve. However, everybody has been so accommodating and welcoming as we continue to ramp up our service offering to our international customer base.

Everything is done with the customer always the prime focus. We strive for the highest possible standards and quality – all achieved through direct and open communications.

One of the highlights for me has been practical on-the-job training and meeting so many interesting people. It’s important to be ‘hands-on’ to expand my knowledge base.

Some people unaware of my job title at first were surprised when I wanted to do some practical maintenance during my initial two-week induction.

It’s not just pushing the button and being the voice at the end of a phone.

Having a close working relationship with the technicians who are on site and understanding the service tool is crucial.

My aim has been to soak up as much information as possible in the shortest possible time and get to know my colleagues from within Koenig & Bauer Durst, as well as colleagues from our two parent companies.

Helping to facilitate even better communication between all three companies is an important part of my role, as is visiting the customers to understand their requirements.

It is good to see how all the people are working so closely together. We are a great team!

9. December 2024

Your digital journey: we’re here to support every step

Case Studies, General News

By Harald Kuenz, Head of Project Management & Service at Koenig & Bauer Durst

Starting in digital printing is not just about technology; it’s about transformation.

Digital production opens doors to new profitable opportunities like customization and barcoding, allowing brand owners and converters to respond to market demands with unprecedented speed.

However, this journey moving from one technology to another is not without its challenges. Shifting operational mindsets from traditional methods to digital approaches can be daunting.

Expanding the limited knowledge that often exists within organizations, and finding the right champions to advocate for this new direction, are hurdles many customers face. Additionally, the immediate pressure to increase volumes when digital capabilities are introduced can be overwhelming.

The process of installing a digital press for the first time is more complex than simply swapping out an old flexo or offset press. Many challenges arise when sales begin only after sign-off, pre-press isn’t adequately prepared for digital requirements, or when production steps aren’t adjusted to align with a digital press’s capabilities.

To address these frustrations, we’ve developed a holistic approach to support our clients every step of the way. This approach focuses on aligning end-to-end processes and ensuring that everyone involved is fully equipped and informed about what’s expected.

Our strategy emphasizes comprehensive training during both the project preparation and ramp-up phases. Here’s what we offer:

Pre-press & application training: Learn the ins and outs on our Delta SPC 130, either by visiting us in Lienz or, when offered, to a customer site.
Job transitioning: Master the skills to transfer jobs from flexo to digital smoothly.
Digital adaptation: Discover how to modify jobs to meet digital requirements.
Hands-on printing experience: Gain confidence yourself to print.
Best practices: Understand what works and what to avoid in digital printing.

We create tailored plans that reflect our customers’ realities and help them achieve their production goals. By doing so, we ensure the highest level of uptime and customer satisfaction.

At Koenig & Bauer Durst, we believe in the power of learning and feedback. We never stop improving our processes or exploring better ways of working together. Your insights are invaluable to us, and we are committed to evolving alongside our clients.

As you start your digital journey, remember that you’re not alone. With the right support and guidance, the transition can be seamless and fulfilling.

Together, we can navigate the challenges and celebrate the victories, ensuring that your venture into digital production printing is a resounding success

3. December 2024