Core Insights - Vitrapack has expanded its flexographic printing capacity by installing a new 10-colour BOBST EXPERT CI press at its Belgian facility to enhance productivity and reduce material waste [1] - The new press has a capacity approximately 25% higher than previous models, featuring a 1300 mm web width and advanced drying technology [3] Company Overview - Vitrapack operates from a 17,000 m² facility, employs 100 people, and reported a turnover of €32 million ($36.9 million) in 2024 [4] - The company has been in the flexible packaging industry since 1952 and has a long-standing collaboration with BOBST, focusing on automation and waste reduction [4][6] Technological Advancements - All printing lines at Vitrapack are equipped with smartGPS registration and impression-setting technology, which minimizes downtime and enhances print quality [2] - The new EXPERT CI press is designed to improve process stability and reduce substrate stretching during printing [3] Sustainability Efforts - Vitrapack is committed to waste reduction and has made progress in lowering CO₂ emissions while improving setup times and maintaining stable print quality [6] - The company plans to replace one of its older flexo presses with another BOBST machine as part of its ongoing investment strategy [6] Collaborative Initiatives - Vitrapack, along with its sister pre-press business Rask and Co-ëfficiënt, is involved in print standardization initiatives aimed at improving production efficiency [5] - Co-ëfficiënt, now a BOBST solution partner, provides data-driven consultancy services to further enhance production efficiency and reduce waste [5]

Core Insights - The packaging printing industry is experiencing a significant transformation driven by technology, sustainability, and consumer expectations [1] - Modern packaging serves as a communication tool that enhances customer experience and conveys brand values [1] Digital Printing Expansion - Digital printing is the most dynamic sector in packaging, revolutionizing product market entry by eliminating the need for plates, allowing for faster setup and shorter production runs [3] - This flexibility appeals particularly to small and medium-sized enterprises and e-commerce brands that require rapid turnaround and lower inventory risk [3] - Next-generation inkjet and hybrid presses are leading the transformation, delivering print quality comparable to conventional flexography and combining digital speed with analog decorative options [4] - Direct-to-pack printing is gaining traction, allowing brands to print directly onto packaging, reducing waste and simplifying logistics, especially for promotional and limited-edition products [5] Emphasis on Sustainability - Sustainability is a critical driver of innovation in packaging printing, influenced by consumer awareness and regulations like the European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) [6] - Eco-friendly inks, such as water-based, soy-based, and UV-cured varieties, are replacing solvent-based alternatives, reducing chemical emissions and environmental impact [7] - The industry is increasingly adopting paper-based packaging solutions to phase out single-use plastics, with recyclable, single-layer paper materials featuring high-performance barrier coatings becoming more common [8]