The Next Big Thing: Might not Be So Big
For the past few years, we have been hearing about how folding carton converters have been adding VLF offset presses to their manufacturing floors. Most often, they are touted as offering great efficiencies for long-run orders—with fast changeovers and automatic functions all making these very large and expensive presses very fast and efficient. We had an interview with a VP of sales for a major press manufacture at drupa who estimated that 65 percent of all VLF presses sold were going into carton applications. (For more on that, check out our “2012 drupa Packaging Review – Folding Cartons” report.)
So lets assume that efficiencies in long runs is the reason VLF presses have been so hot (we can say that because of the 65 percent comment above). How about the discussion I had with a close friend who also purchased a VLF last year and is doing about 20 jobs a day through that press. That press is surely not doing efficient long runs, but efficient short runs.
What I have been describing is the “conventional wisdom” for the past decade or so: find ways to make it faster, better, cheaper. And what about all the talk about order sizes going down and short runs with little lead time being the norm? That is the reason we need those big, fast-changeover presses right? Maybe not...
My work is great. I regularly speak to people all through the packaging supply chain about trends and what they think are the most interesting changes happening in our world of packaging. Having done this since 1996, I can tell you I have seen trends come and go, change and then change again. I can honestly say there has never been a dull moment.
Over the past few months, I have been speaking with a number of carton converters and have come across an interesting shift in thinking. As many of you know, I have been working in the area of digital printing for packaging for many years. For most of that time, converters have been reluctant to look at solutions that upset postpress workflows such as diecutting and finishing. They need a solution (digital or not) that is 40+ inches wide to “fit in” and “play nice” with their current workflows.
