EFI and Packsize collaborated in May to produce ‘the world’s first’ on-demand box system that integrates full-colour printing on boxes using a single automated solution, and a water-based version of the Nozomi single-pass digital press for corrugated packaging.
The box system was unveiled at this year’s drupa. The first customer of the new version of EFI’s Nozomi digital press, the Nozomi 14000 AQ, was DS Smith, as the company took delivery of the first unit at one of its facilities in Spain.
The X5 Nozomi system combines Packsize’s X5 fully automated Right-sized Packaging on Demand system, part of the Packsize X Series, with EFI’s Nozomi single-pass digital inkjet printer line for corrugated packaging.
Claiming to reduce the manufacturing process from seven steps down to one, the X5 Nozomi aims to automate and simplify box production for e-commerce sites, 3rd Party Logistics (3PL), Consumer Product Goods Companies (CPG), corrugated suppliers, and order fulfilment companies.
The companies state that this solution enables branding opportunities including any design, customizing and branding of a box, enabling 1:1 messaging and personalization; moving from monochrome boxes to full-colour images; On-Box Advertising (OBA) that generates new revenue; and ‘rent space on the box’ to third-party advertisers. It is also said to enable multi-brand packaging, allowing 3PLs and fulfilment centres to brand packaging for multiple brands on demand, and the integration of shipping labels, hazmat labels, and other custom labels within the print design.
Rod Gallaway, CEO of Packsize, commented: “No other machine can go from blank corrugated to printed, right-sized, on-demand erected boxes in one solution – and at just six seconds per box.”
“The massive growth in e-commerce of the past few years has driven an increased use of boxes, moving the consumer experience to the doorstep,” added Frank Pennisi, CEO of EFI. “At the same time, unboxing videos are having a rising impact on brands even as digital ad influence declines due to oversaturation. Essentially, packaging sells a product, which is why EFI partnered with Packsize – to empower brands in elevating their packaging quickly, simply, and cost-effectively with the X5 Nozomi.”
In related news, Koenig & Bauer launched a new digital printing press in May, which it said was the first such solution that could be integrated into a production line for metal decorating. The sheet handling system is made by Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint, while the integrated inkjet technology is based on a multi-pass printing unit from Durst.
Earlier this month Neil Osment, from packaging market research company NOA, explored the opportunities for corrugated and folding cartons, specifically food packaging that needs a liner, in the context of plastic packaging moving towards greener alternatives. Osment highlighted the European packaging market for pots, trays, and tubs, which amounts to 3.37m tonnes of plastic annually, designed to contain liquid or ‘wet’ food, and requiring a barrier or lining.
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