Inkjet & Digital Printing
Xerox Offers Customized Packaging with New Digital Solution; Opens Up Growth Market for Print Providers
Monday 14. September 2009 - Think what's in the package is more important than what's on it? Not necessarily. As retailers increasingly look for new ways to catch the eyes of consumers, customized packaging is the next wave in marketing and it's driven by a technology solution from Xerox Corporation (NYSE: XRX).
The company today unveiled the Xerox Automated Packaging Solution powered by Stora Enso Gallop. The automated digital system can print a variety of personalized packages – from golf ball boxes and chewing gum wrappers to folding cartons used by retailers – in multiple languages. The packaging system can quickly switch from one job to the next, providing the flexibility needed in today’s global and rapidly changing marketplace. Xerox intends to seek FDA approval of its solution to accommodate food packaging.
According to industry consultancy Pira International, the worldwide digital printing market for packaging and labels is expected to reach $6.75 billion by 2014.
“This solution is so unique in that it pushes open the door of possibilities for packaging print providers – and their customers,” said Eric Armour, president, Global Business Group, Xerox Corporation. “Providers can now answer the industry’s demand for highly-customized packaging options – quickly and efficiently.”
The in-line process means maximum productivity for packagers. For example, blank packaging boards are placed in the feeder and end up in the output stacker completely printed, coated and die cut – ready for folding and gluing. Print providers can produce customized, variable data on each package cost effectively with minimal operator intervention. The solution is ideal for retailers looking to test prototype products with a variety of different packaging.
Fueled by Xerox’s iGen4 press printing at 110 pages per minute, the solution is uniquely positioned to fill the needs of the packaging market with the largest sheet size (14.33″ x 22.5″) of any digital color press. It also offers the broadest array of in-line finishing options and the widest range of substrate latitude – including up to 18 pt. packaging board.
Xerox will offer the entire solution with an Epic CTi-635 varnishing unit with aqueous or UV-coating options, a stacker-conveyer unit from Stora Enso, and a die cutter with 580 x 400 mm sheet size (22.5″x14.33″) developed by Kama for Stora Enso. A clear coating is required for many packaging applications and provides a fast-drying, water-based, satin or gloss finish to protect the package from dirt, smudges, fingerprints and scratches.
The solution helps minimize the impact on the environment by printing on demand to reduce waste and using packaging board that is renewable and recyclable.
The Xerox Automated Packaging Solution powered by Stora Enso Gallop will be on display at Print 09, the year’s largest graphic communications event, taking place Sept. 11-16 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
Availability
The Xerox Automated Packaging Solution powered by Stora Enso Gallop will be available in a phased launch in the U.S. starting in the fourth quarter. It is currently available in Europe.