Rethinking print: where digital meets offset for new growth

By Markus Weiss, CEO of Koenig & Bauer Paper & Packaging

The printing and packaging industry is changing faster than ever. After nearly two decades in this business, I’ve seen countless innovations – but the convergence of offset and digital printing stands out as a true gamechanger.

At Koenig & Bauer Paper & Packaging Sheetfed Systems, we’re focused on one goal: helping our customers capture new growth by integrating both worlds.

Across Europe, the US, and Asia, we see strong momentum – especially in packaging. Offset remains the backbone of the industry, but digital print is rapidly gaining ground in high-value and high-volume segments.

Working closely with brands and converters, we’re looking to help those using digital print to deliver premium packaging at industrial scale, including in folding cartons.

From niche technology to industrial digital production

For too long, digital printing has been viewed as a niche solution for short runs or individualisation. That mindset is outdated.

A real opportunity now lies in high-volume, high-end digital production – and the VariJET 106 from Koenig & Bauer Durst is one of the important tools helping make that shift possible.

Developed jointly with Durst, the VariJET 106 brings together digital agility and offset precision.

This single-pass press, using water-based, food-safe inks, enables flexible production and addresses run lengths from 1,500 to 10,000 sheets or more depending on the market and applications. It’s not about replacing offset – it’s about expanding what’s possible when both technologies work together.

New opportunities beyond traditional packaging

We’re also opening new conversations beyond packaging within other segments and with partners. As one example, together with our Vision & Protection teams, we see exciting opportunities in security printing, where innovation and expertise can create real competitive advantage.

This is an area where Koenig & Bauer’s long-standing expertise and our innovative mindset can unlock meaningful new business models.

A holistic approach to the future of print

Our approach remains holistic: connecting PrePress, Press, and PostPress systems through intelligent automation, AI and workflow solutions to deliver efficiency and profitability across the entire production chain.

The future of print isn’t about choosing sides – offset or digital. It’s about mastering both to meet today’s evolving market demands.

At Koenig & Bauer, we’re passionate about driving that transformation with our customers, shaping the next chapter of what print can achieve.