Bobst: Cutting-edge solutions for label and packaging production

BOBST, a supplier of machinery and services for packaging and label production specialising in the folding carton, corrugated board and flexible materials sectors, hosted an event entitled BOBST Labels & Packaging Innovation  in Florence from 1 to 4 April where it presented Ink-on-Demand (IoD) and DigiColor, two revolutionary solutions that will transform the established flexo process.

The new Ink-on-Demand (IoD) system eliminates ink trays and chambered doctor blades as it requires just 30 grams of ink to operate, a characteristic that will drastically reduce costs and environmental burdens.

DigiColor is able to adjust digital colour to the target Delta E values during printing. Each of the seven Extended Colour Gamut (ECG) inks is split into a darker and a lighter shade, which are accurately mixed inline to match the target Delta E. The DigiColor closed-loop colour system achieves digital colour matching and colour consistency at any speed, on any substrate and with any operator.

BOBST and traceability

At the same event, BOBST presented a world premiere for a solution that enables the full traceability of every piece of packaging. Developed in collaboration with ESKO, AVT, Pantone and X-Rite, the new solution allows for digital traceability from the original file to the press, job validation and final storage of digital data generated from the final printed job. It is built on the BOBST Digital Flexo technology and combines WebCenter, ColorCert, SpectraLab and PantoneLive assets. The traceability project is based in the REVO Academy at BOBST Firenze.

Digital printing and UV energy control

On the same dates, Mouvent, the digital printing competence centre of the Bobst Group, showcased the LB702-UV digital press, capable of printing labels at 100 m/min. with 6 colours and a 1200 dpi resolution. And with a view to increasing the safety of food packaging, BOBST presented the digital control of UV energy in collaboration with Flint, GEW and the UVFoodSafe Alliance, a solution that opens up new opportunities for UV printed food packaging production. Compared to solvent and water-based inks, UV inks achieve higher print quality and colour consistency combined with the absence of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), improving ink stability and sustainability.