Xeikon Packaging Café To Address New Technology

By Noel Ward

More SKUs, shorter runs, faster turnarounds, inventory reduction, and just-in-time delivery are reshaping the package printing marketplace. Conventional presses are up to some of the challenges, but digital presses are carving out territory and filling the needs of forward-thinking package printers and converters.

But addressing these needs is not just a matter of installing a new digital press. How can a converter make sense of all the technology required and make an informed decision?

Answering that question, Xeikon, one of the world leaders in digital package and label printing, together with its Aura partners, is hosting the Xeikon Café for Packaging Innovations at its headquarters in Lier, Belgium from March 10 to 12. Over three days, visitors will see and hear first-hand updates on the latest trends and innovations in digital label production and have the opportunity to share insights and success stories with industry peers.

More importantly, this event is not a product pitch. I attended last year and it was one of the most informative conferences I can remember. The sessions used the real world experiences of printers and converters to show the value of the technology in business environments. This year, Xeikon and its Aura partners will again relate customer success stories and provide demonstrations of the technologies that make digital package printing a compelling option for meeting the demands of a changing marketplace.

“As a recognized specialist in self-adhesive label printing, Xeikon has built up a network of partners that are leading suppliers in their field,” says Filip Weymans, Xeikon’s director of segment marketing for labels and packaging. “The tremendous range of expertise these companies provide help converters explore the full potential of digital label production, and show solutions that make a difference.”

Integrated SA label production and more

Several self-adhesive applications will be produced using the Xeikon Self-Adhesive Label Suite, an integrated solution for printing and converting high quality labels. The system uses a Xeikon digital press in conjunction with supporting software, print media, consumables and finishing equipment from Xeikon’s Aura partners. In addition to the self-adhesive label applications, visitors can also learn about dedicated solutions for folding carton, heat transfer and in-mold labels.

At least eight different applications will be featured, showing how digital presses can meet market requirements while maintaining profitability. Applications will include variable data printing for personalized communication or driving logistical processes. The challenge for each of these is that quantity and design can vary daily, making the consistent high quality of full color digital printing the optimal solution.

The Xeikon Café for Packaging Innovations provides the opportunity to understand, evaluate and experience digital production, enabling printers and converters to make informed business decisions. Through demonstrations, presentations, workshops and discussions, participants receive first-hand actionable information and advice on industry innovations and trends. For a review of the 2014 Café, be sure to watch the video on YouTube.

For more information, visit www.xeikoncafe.com.

Participating partners include:

Software: Advance Track & Trace, CERM, CHILI Publish, Esko, Hybrid Software, Label Traxx, OneVision Software, Fourpees

Equipment: AB Graphic International, Bograma, Esko, Grafisk Maskinfabrik A/S, Highcon, Kurz, MBO, Meech International, MOSS, Rietstack, Schobertechnologies, Seilaser, SMAG Graphique, Tronics, Zünd

Consumables: ACTEGA Terra, Kurz, Michelman, Rotometrics

Print media: Avery, Metsäboard, Stora Enso, Taghleef, Treofan Group, UPM Raflatac