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

By Jeff Wettersten, VP Packaging, Keypoint Intelligence

Historically digital printing has been positioned to address high graphics on white corrugated board. The technology was ideally suited to only around a third of the market – until now.

The introduction of water based inks, and the ability to print white ink on kraft, is an industry step change that addresses the other two thirds of the market.

It will accelerate adoption and promotion of digital print throughout the market place.

It will deliver great value to not only to the corrugated converter but the brand as well.

It will be a catalyst, or a potential catalyst, for driving this market forward.

One sector where its application could have a significant impact is food and beverage when you begin to look at retail ready packaging that goes on the shelf.

When using kraft you need image quality that delivers. It brings kraft back into play as a lower cost alternative for many applications within the retail environment. And it will extend well beyond food and beverage into industrial markets as well.

Sustainability will also come into play. The availability of white ink, and white ink printed on kraft, will be a positive sustainability message for both brands and converters.

You are no longer using a proprietary material around chemi or bleached white where that sustainability is not a positive as kraft. It will also have an impact within the recycling and waste stream due to de-inking and reclaiming the native kraft fibres.

Converters need to begin to gravitate towards digital printing. It delivers a competitive differentiation in the market place.

We are very optimistic, as are the brands, about the future of digital print.