VR Print and Nilpeter: A Partnership Built on Precision and Progress
With over 25 years of experience specialising in premium labels for highly regulated industries such as agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, animal health, and petroleum, VR Print is a key player in the South African label market. With an eye on Sub-Saharan expansion and a commitment to technical excellence, VR Print has joined forces with Nilpeter to strengthen its capabilities and deliver high-end, compliant solutions to emerging markets across the African continent.
Meeting Africa’s growing demand
Headquartered in Durban, VR Print operates from a single, centralised facility with regional sales offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg. As demand for premium and regulation-compliant packaging increases in East and West Africa, VR Print is positioning itself at the forefront of this development – not only by offering complex label constructions like booklet and peel-and-read labels, but by investing in the technology required to produce them at scale.
“We see incredible potential in Sub-Saharan Africa,” said Hilton Van Rensburg, managing director, VR Print. “But to grow sustainably, we need the right partners. That’s why Nilpeter is so important – they understand our market, our constraints, and our ambitions.”
The power of the FA-17
At the heart of VR Print’s current operation is the Nilpeter FA-17 – a highly automated, multi-substrate flexo press tailored for flexibility, speed, and repeatability. With dual LED and mercury curing options, the FA-17 has enabled VR Print to accelerate production of multi-layer labels and navigate a wide range of ink and substrate combinations with ease.
“The FA-17 press offers print quality that’s as sharp and consistent as any digital solution, but with the robustness and speed needed for flexo,” Hilton explained. “It’s a workhorse, and it’s helped us cut down makeready time, reduce waste, and train new operators faster than ever.”
Designed for people and precision
Operator training is often a hurdle in expanding regions where flexo expertise may be limited. VR Print has overcome this by leveraging the intuitive design of the FA-17, training staff with no prior flexo experience in just a matter of weeks.
Thomas Andersen, Area Sales Manager at Nilpeter, noted: “We built the FA-Line not only to perform, but to be operator-friendly. VR Print has shown how quickly and effectively it can be integrated into a business, and into a market with strong growth ambitions.”
More than a supplier relationship
What sets the collaboration apart is the shared philosophy: both companies are deeply customer-centric, future-focused, and committed to long-term progress.
“Nilpeter isn’t just a supplier,” said Hilton. “They’re a partner. Their team listens, challenges us in the right ways, and supports us consistently – not just when there’s a problem to fix, but to help us grow.”
That commitment includes proactive support, operator engagement, and ongoing dialogue to future-proof the investment. VR Print is already preparing to upgrade with a variable data print bar and is working with extended colour gamut printing to respond to shifting client expectations.
A strategic path forward
Looking ahead, VR Print is laying the groundwork for joint ventures and satellite production in key markets such as Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia. The goal is clear: to provide agile, sustainable labelling solutions that meet strict regulatory requirements while maintaining brand integrity.
“With more local manufacturing and tighter regulatory controls, there’s huge potential,” Hilton Van Rensburg concluded. “Our partnership with Nilpeter puts us in a position to lead – with speed, quality, and confidence.”
A shared belief in Africa’s growth potential
VR Print and Nilpeter share a strong belief in the opportunities emerging across the African continent. Especially in Southern and Sub-Saharan Africa, both companies see clear signs of growth and development in the label and packaging industry.
Nilpeter has outlined a dedicated strategy for 2025 and beyond, with a packed exhibition calendar and increased local presence, including key events in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. This effort reflects a long-term commitment to the region – not just in terms of business, but in building close partnerships and delivering technology that makes a difference.
In South Africa, Nilpeter’s longstanding partner, CSM, plays a crucial role – not only in supporting key customers such as VR Print, but also in expanding Nilpeter’s presence throughout the region. With decades of experience and a deeply rooted industry network, CSM is instrumental in driving Nilpeter’s growth strategy across the African continent. Their local expertise and trusted relationships provide a solid foundation for introducing new solutions and supporting customers in both established and emerging markets.
The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with Packaging Impressions. The views expressed within may not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of Packaging Impressions.