Packaging
New offers from Pixartprinting
Friday 31. March 2017 - Pixartprinting unveils Catalyst, a new production line that raises the bar for customisable packaging
As part of its constant quest for new growth opportunities, Pixartprinting has launched Catalyst, an innovative, state-of-the-art packaging production line. The cornerstone of a strategy that is revolutionising customised packaging, the technology enables the firm to broaden its range with a host of new products and services. The online shop can now offer paperboard boxes with print runs starting from just 25 items for some ranges, while the catalogue contains over 300 different combinations of format, size and customisation options. And all this can be delivered in just 48 hours with the simplicity that users of the Upload&Print leader have come to expect.
Innovation is part of Pixartprinting’s DNA, so naturally all the firm’s divisions were involved in the project, from production and marketing through to customer care. The result is a business model never seen before in the online packaging space, which has significantly expanded the catalogue. As well as boxes made from creased, die-cut and glued 360-gsm pure cellulose paperboard, five food-contact packaging products are now available, including trays, containers and deluxe takeaway boxes, made from Delipac paperboard and printed with food-safe inks. What’s more, the new production line now offers the option of three different finishes using cold lamination as well as 3D and selective varnish.
“We analysed the needs of the market and realised that packaging is a fast-growing segment with strong potential”, explained Paolo Roatta, Managing Director at Pixartprinting. “When honing Catalyst, we set ourselves two objectives: on the one hand, to offer our customers a new tool to grow their business; and on the other, to attract new users who, because of the way packaging has been offered up to now, have not previously had access to this type of product. It’s a strategy that will allow us to become the benchmark brand for the on demand packaging market, winning the loyalty of new customers through an original business model. Our strength lies in allowing customers to order very small print runs at affordable prices with increasingly sophisticated customisation options and the fast delivery times that have always been Pixartprinting’s hallmark.”
New standards in the production of on demand packaging
The performance of Catalyst by Pixartprinting sets new standards in the production of on demand packaging. The new production line at the Quarto dAltino site in Italy – chosen by Cimpress as a pilot plant – uses next-generation technology and employs lean manufacturing processes.
“Expanding our range of products always entails adding new printing and finishing systems, and sometimes entire custom-built production lines have to be engineered, as was the case with Catalyst”, explained Alessio Piazzetta, Plant Manager at Pixartprinting. “When developing the packaging production line, our R&D department worked in partnership with the production team to select equipment that provides high standards of technological excellence, with a view to automating processes, running them on an industrial scale and integrating production within the proprietary management platform. This was all carried out with the support of Cimpress, our global parent company, with which we share technical and strategic expertise.”
Unprecedented architecture
Designed to optimise production, Catalyst allows small print runs to be produced to industrial standards. The technological core of the line is the digital HP Indigo 30000 system, with its integrated priming module that can print paperboard up to 450 gsm in CMYK. The Harris & Bruno ExelCoat ZR30 inline coating machine offers an efficient way of applying UV varnishes, producing the various protective finishes required on packaging products. Digital finishing from Scodix, with its own dedicated workflow, allows boxes to be produced with tactile effects and eye-catching graphics using embossed and selective varnish at competitive prices and with the just-in-time methodology previously only used for standard packaging. The Bograma BSR 550 Servo Rotary is a rotary die cutter chosen to guarantee high speeds and to ensure consistently high-quality cutting and flat scoring. Packaging can also be enhanced with a gold or silver coating, produced by the integrated cold foiling module. The line is rounded off by the Kama Flexfold 52i folder-gluer, chosen for its high level of automation. Reducing the work of operators to a minimum, it can be set in less than five minutes to create any product from Pixartprinting’s extensive packaging catalogue. In addition, extra protection for printing is available through long-lasting and durable lamination, created with the Tecnomac Evolution 3 system.
PACKAGING IN SMALL PRINT RUNS
Pixartprinting’s range of customisable boxes is now available in small print runs for samples, limited editions and themed products. With over 300 combinations of format, size and customisation options to choose from, creating tailor-made packaging has never been easier. Made with 360-gsm SBS paperboard, as few as 25 copies can be ordered, with delivery in just 48 hours.
New items in the range:
Promotional Boxes. Available in various formats with or without a window; scored and die-cut, they are delivered flat and are easy to assemble.
Promotional Boxes with Crash Lock Base. With an optional window and a weight-resistant base, they offer the utmost versatility.
Pillow Boxes. Featuring an original design, these boxes are delivered scored, die-cut and glued, and can be assembled with ease.
Flip Lid Promotional Boxes, Deluxe Boxes, Pull Out Boxes and Hanging Boxes are also available.
FOOD CONTACT PACKAGING
The new range of food packaging includes new options available in infinite combinations, designed both to protect food products and get your message across. The entire range is printed with four-colour printing in food-safe inks, while food contact packaging is made of recyclable, compostable and biodegradable Delipac paperboard, with an oil- and grease-resistant inner coating.
The range includes:
Catering Trays. Available in various formats, they are glued on four sides and delivered flat. Convenient and easy to assemble.
Food Containers. With four different formats and an original design, these are designed to meet every need for takeaways and food on the go.
Flip Lid Food Boxes. You can now customise your lunch boxes with tailor-made graphics and original messages, while maintaining the performance required from this type of container: they are even suitable for freezing and reheating in the microwave.
Deluxe Food Boxes with a flap or gable box fastening. Elegant and captivating, these boxes get your message across, protect their contents are easy to carry.
Sandwich Boxes. The unique curved surfaces wrap perfectly around your hot dog or sandwich.
The food packaging range is completed by food wrapping paper.
FINISHES
You can now create limited edition, appealing packaging with delivery in record time (from as little as 48 hours).
The Promotional Boxes, Pillow Boxes and Promotional Boxes with Crash Lock Base can be enhanced with the following finishes:
– 3D Varnish. An extra-thick coating that enhances specific printed areas of the packaging, creating a charming tactile effect.
– Gold/Silver Coating. Cold foiling is used to add a metallic-effect coating that enhances the packaging at a competitive price and with rapid delivery.
– Selective Varnish. Gloss varnish is used to bring out selected areas of the design.