Working closely with retailers, brand owners, and food manufacturers, Eco Flexibles develops recyclable mono-polymer flexible and paper-based packaging solutions that provide equivalent or improved performance over incumbent mixed plastic designs. The company confirmed its investment in Fujifilm’s new digital flexible packaging press following a successful beta trial.
Eco Flexibles, based in Northampton, UK, has been a Fujifilm Flenex FW plates customer for many years, and has now expanded its Fujifilm investments into digital, becoming an early investor in the Jet Press FP790; the first outside of Japan. The press is installed at the company’s new state-of-the-art factory in Northampton.
‘Unlike conventional digital presses that rely on toners and electrographic inks, the Jet Press FP790 uses water-based inks to ensure superior performance while further driving down carbon impact. This is a transformative moment for the flexible packaging industry in the UK, and for us as a business,’ stated David Smith, General Manager at Eco Flexibles.
‘Our mission is to make recyclable mono-polymer and paper packaging more accessible for brand owners, and with this multi-million pound investment, we’re providing our customers with digital press technology with all the benefits (like) very short run and variable data printing, fast turnaround and outstanding graphic performance that more than rivals traditional analogue print techniques. We are setting a new benchmark in quality and sustainability.’
The Jet Press FP790 installed by Eco Flexibles offers unparalleled versatility, capable of printing on film and paper. With a 790mm wide capacity, the machine is a formidable addition to Eco Flexibles’ production capabilities.
Eco Flexibles can now achieve class-leading production speeds with no make ready and changeover downtime; extended colour gamut – more than 90% of Pantone colours without more costly spot colour inks; water-based inks with 1200dpi x 1200dpi resolution for sharp, high quality images; an integrated inspection tower for real-time quality control; and reductions in lead times, thanks to the elimination of setup requirements.
Smith added, ‘There’s a good reason that Fujifilm is such an established and respected name in print, and it’s why we feel so comfortable investing in the first machine of its kind in Europe. We are in a sustainability-centric market where ‘good enough’ is no longer good enough for brands; we must be constantly pushing harder for lower carbon emissions and higher quality. Eco Flexibles has been a pioneer in many ways, and with our latest investment, we’re further driving home the message that sustainable flexible packaging doesn’t need to be a concession or come with sacrifices. With a partner like Eco Flexibles in your corner, and technology such as the Jet Press FP790, you can truly have it all.’
Manuel Schrutt, Head of Packaging, Fujifilm EMEA commented, ‘We are delighted to announce the first installation of the Jet Press FP790, outside of Japan. The launch of this innovative press marked an exciting time for us in terms of evolving our range of digital packaging solutions. Our expertise within inkjet technology has now been adapted to meet the requirements of the mainstream flexible packaging market. We look forward to seeing how the investment helps Eco Flexibles to grow their business further.’
FUJIFILM SOUTH AFRICA
+27 11 430 5400
https://www.fujifilmgraphicsystems.co.za/
