April 2025 - Koenig & Bauer Durst Digital Packaging Print

Sparking new ideas in folding carton with VariJET 106

By Eric Frank, Senior Vice President, Koenig & Bauer

What started as small carton associations banding together to survive the Great Depression has evolved into the unified organization we know today, representing the $12-billion paperboard packaging industry.

The Paperboard Packaging Council is a vibrant community of leaders, innovators and changemakers exclusively dedicated to North American converters of paperboard packaging and their suppliers.

Packaging requirements are evolving faster than ever, driven by sustainability demands, AI-powered advancements, and a shift away from plastics. Brand and retailers are racing to adapt, as are converters.

With all this in mind, I am looking forward to the PPC Spring Conference meeting in Indianapolis from April 23-25 that will have a packed agenda over the three days.

There I will be introducing the latest updates on the VariJET 106, the digital inkjet press, which has been jointly developed by Durst and Koenig & Bauer.

The VariJET uses the know-how from Koenig & Bauer, the leader in offset printing, with Durst’s unparalleled expertise in digital inkjet technology and software. We have reimagined the possibilities by combining the power of these two processes.

Greater geopolitical and societal instability, supply chain challenges, labour shortages, and legislative changes are all among additional factors that make digital production increasingly important in folding carton and corrugated markets.

And now seems to be the perfect time to fully introduce this unique offering to the American market, which is now a key target territory for sales.

The future is now for digital production in folding carton packaging. And I am convinced that the VariJET106 will play an important part in developments.

For those visiting the Spring Conference, I look forward to being there and fostering meaningful connections.

22. April 2025

Banknotes to VariJET 106 – My Journey in Print

Case Studies, General News

By Sascha Scholz, VariJET 106 Demonstrator, Radebeul

As a printer with a background in both traditional and digital printing, I have developed expertise in several technologies, where a primary focus has been on banknote and the wider intricacies of security printing.

Late last year, I began a new chapter in my career at Koenig & Bauer Sheetfed headquarters in Radebeul, Germany. Here, my role is centred on digital printing, where I work as a demonstrator.

One of the aspects I love most about my current job is preparing and conducting demos for customers. It’s a rewarding experience to guide customers – many of whom come from an offset printing background – through the world of digital printing.

Most of our clients are discovering digital printing for the first time, and it is both exciting and fulfilling to show them how digital printing can be integrated into their workflows.

From the prepress stage to the digital printing process itself, I enjoy sharing each step to expand their knowledge of the world of digital printing.
Seeing their smiles and knowing that they leave with a deeper understanding of this technology is incredibly satisfying.

I also enjoy being part of the latest developments and working with new technologies such as the VariJET 106, a digital press that is revolutionizing the printing market.

While it’s already being used for packaging in pharmaceuticals, food, and beauty products, I see a wealth of untapped potential for this technology in other markets.

Each demo I conduct in the Koenig & Bauer Durst Demo Center reveals new opportunities, and with every customer we engage with, we discover new ways the VariJET can serve a wide range of applications.

One of the standout features of the VariJET 106 is its exceptional quality. Customers are consistently impressed by the machine’s ability to match a broad spectrum of Pantone colors through its 7-color imitation process. The extended color gamut and ability to manage variable data make it a standout choice for printers who require high-quality results.

I truly enjoy coming to work every day in such a collaborative and supportive environment and I look forward to seeing where this journey takes me next.

17. April 2025

Enhancing the consumer experience

Case Studies, General News

By Jon Blackbourn, Head of Digital Print UK, Schumacher Packaging Birmingham

Consumers look for convenience and clear information on packaging.

Intelligent designs that achieve these two critical points go a long way to creating a valuable premium unboxing experience.

They can also help a brand align itself with consumers’ personal values and build loyalty.

Packaging is a powerful vehicle that can be utilized to communicate important information clearly and in an easy to find way.

‘Smart packaging’ takes this a step further and has changed how a brand can engage with a consumer to positively influence repeat sales.
Smart packaging uses interactive technology such as QR codes to improve the customer experience. It enables a brand to tell its story, whether that be field to bottle, farm to fork and so on. It can create customer engagement.

It can also showcase other offerings within a brand’s portfolio, inform consumers about seasonal promotions and supply relevant news on new and imminent product launches.

All these are among the many reasons why we invested in the Delta SPC 130 single pass high volume digital press from Koenig & Bauer Durst for corrugated markets. The corrugated market is ripe for digital transformation.

Our FlexLine Eco+ model with six colours is the first installation in the UK and is a central focal point as we expand our presence in UK markets as one of the UK’s leading plain and printed cardboard manufacturers.

10. April 2025