REASONS WHY HERO IS AUSTRALIA’S BEST TRADE PRINTER
IN THIS ISSUE...
Omni Packaging acquisition P05
Acquires Tape Printers of Australia
Ball & Doggett hire P06
David Reece joins the company
Heidelberg/Manroland deal P06
The companies partner in the sheetfed space
Hybrid launches PACKS 11 P08
The new version boasts RIP integration
Suntory Oceania launches P08
The move highlights growth in Australia
BulletProof can launch P10
East Coast Canning + Printing unveils new tech
Pakko in midst of move P10
Company is relocating to a new headquarters
Detmold gets new HQ P11
Consolidates staff from eight sites into one Planet Ark in the green P11
The organisation steps out of voluntary admin
Durst strengthens hybrid labels production P14-16
Durst redefines the hybrid printing concept through its strategic partnership with OMET
Rethinking packaging for a sustainable world: Google P18-19
The business recently discussed its forwardthinking approach to sustainable packaging
Graffica ends financial year on a high with multiple orders P20
Its new and returning customers make significant machinery purchases
“We don’t just make a pretty picture”: Paul Rumens P22-23
Tweak’s Paul Rumens addresses his desire to make packaging work in the real world
The biggest Labelexpo yet P24-27
More than 600 industry suppliers have already booked their spots for Labelexpo Europe 2025
THIS ISSUE SUPPORTED BY
Currie Group partners to display future-ready products P28
The latest advancements and cutting-edge solutions will be shown at Labelexpo Europe
Packaging reimagined at AIP Conference P30-31
The 2025 Australasian Packaging Conference set the tone with forward-thinking dialogue
BOBST innovation enhances customer experience P32
The company explores its sustainable VISION CI flexo printing technology
Trends shaping the packaging industry in 2025: Opal P33
Outlines its view on the emerging trends transforming the packaging industry
It takes a village to sell a business: Mattingly P34
Why selling a business is a full-contact sport in stakeholder management
Rethinking the CRS: Building a circular economy that works P36
Are we solving the right problem?
Smithers
Significant growth projected for printed packaging labels and release liners
A guide to the upcoming local and international events around the world
Editor’s Note
Labelexpo Europe 2025 is expected to make history as its largest show to date. Spanning over four massive halls, more than 600 industry suppliers have already booked into the tradeshow, which will take place from 16-19 September at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona. With organisers promising an expansion 12 per cent larger than the 2023 edition, new innovations will most likely be discovered down every aisle and around every corner.
This issue contains a preview of the tradeshow, providing a snapshot of some of the latest and greatest that will be displayed and talked about.
ProPack will also be in Barcelona to hear the noise of the new machinery in operation, feel the textures of substrates, and see print qualities for ourselves. We hope to catch you at the show too.
Omni Packaging acquires Tape Printers of Australia
Omni Packaging, a sustainable packaging solutions provider and one of Australia’s largest local custom tape printers, has acquired Tape Printers of Australia – one of the country’s longest-standing custom tape printing companies.
Tim Salisbury, founder of Omni Group, said the acquisition marks an exciting step forward for the company’s continued growth and innovation.
“As Australia’s largest local custom tape printer, this acquisition is a significant step toward our future growth. We’ll continue to lead the way in custom packaging solutions, while providing even greater value, speed, and flexibility for our customers,” Salisbury said.
With this acquisition, Omni Packaging strengthens its ability to offer an even broader range of custom-printed tapes, including custom printed paper tapes, water activated gummed tapes, heavy-duty PVC tapes, printed masking and specialty tapes, and perforated tapes.
According to Omni Packaging, customers of Tape Printers of Australia will now benefit from Omni Packaging’s broader product range, advanced printing technologies, and national distribution network.
The company said the acquisition also reflects Omni Packaging’s continued investment in local manufacturing and its commitment to leading the way in sustainable, innovative packaging solutions.
In January, Omni Group announced the appointment of Jonathan Salisbury as managing director, taking the reins from his father and founder, Tim Salisbury.
Jonathan, who has spent more than a decade working in the business, was previously head of supply chain and machinery.
ProPack Industry Supporters
Jonathan Salisbury (Omni Group)
Ball & Doggett hires David Reece
Ball & Doggett has appointed David Reece to the role of labels & packaging national sales manager, reinforcing its long-term commitment to growth, innovation, and customer success within the sector.
Based at Ball & Doggett’s Pemulwuy office in NSW, Reece will lead the company’s national sales effort within the narrow web market, with a strong focus on helping customers unlock value through expert advice, trusted products, and dedicated service.
Reece is a well-respected figure in the industry, bringing over 30 years of experience with recognised names such as Jet Technologies and Avery Dennison.
Ball & Doggett said his deep technical knowledge and commercial insight will be invaluable in supporting customers as they navigate new technologies, market opportunities, and evolving industry trends.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Ball & Doggett at such an exciting time for the business. The narrow web and label sectors are evolving rapidly, and I look forward to working closely with our customers to help them navigate these changes, unlock new opportunities, and grow their businesses with the support of a truly committed and customer-focused team,” Reece said.
Heidelberg and Manroland
Sheetfed partner
In response to the market need for long-run folding carton printing for food, beverage, and consumer packaging using large format (VLF)/format class 6 sheetfed offset presses, and coinciding with its 175th anniversary, Heidelberg has partnered with Manroland Sheetfed to add the Cartonmaster CX 145 in format class 6 to its portfolio for packaging customers.
The Cartonmaster CX 145 is based on Manroland Sheetfed’s Roland Evolution 900, which Heidelberg is incorporating into its digital ecosystem.
The press can be integrated into both the Prinect workflow and the workflow solutions of third-party suppliers. Customers can access performance data for their press in the Heidelberg Customer Portal.
“Our new Cartonmaster CX 145 makes Heidelberg a full-range provider for folding carton printing. As part of our growth strategy, we are expanding our range of solutions for the packaging sector and, at the same time, plugging a gap in our portfolio,” the company’s chief technology and sales officer Dr. David Schmedding said.
In addition to Reece’s appointment, Ball & Doggett has also expanded its team with several highly regarded specialists in recent years, including:
• Phil Rennell , who has had expertise in developing the digital printing landscape in Australia and New Zealand with experience in commercial printing, labels and packaging, and textile and apparel printing technologies and markets.
• Tatjana Ferguson, an experienced sign and display professional with years of expertise in the industry and OEM space, adding a fresh perspective and depth to one of Ball & Doggett’s most dynamic and creative categories.
• Tammy Arhontissas, a packaging specialist with deep industry experience, supporting
the growing demand for fibre-based and sustainable packaging solutions.
• Sean Strange, a well-known leader in the sign and display industry, with a strong track record in business growth, product innovation, and technical expertise across digital cutting technologies.
• Matt Murphy, a respected industry professional recognised for his customerfirst mindset, market knowledge, and ability to build long-standing partnerships.
• Sean Edel, a packaging specialist with more than 20 years of experience across FMCG and packaging markets. Edel brings strong commercial, category, and product expertise and leads growth and innovation within Ball & Doggett’s essential packaging category.
Heidelberg supplies a full range of products for folding carton printing.
The company offers packaging customers Speedmaster presses in a wide variety of configurations in both the 50cm x 70cm and 70cm x 100cm formats, all the way through to the new Peak Performance generation of the Speedmaster XL 106.
Together with its partner MK, it also provides solutions for postpress applications, including robotics. The Boardmaster flexographic web printing system in the Heidelberg portfolio covers the top end of the productivity range in folding carton production.
By launching the Cartonmaster CX 145, Heidelberg is bridging the gap between its
Speedmaster portfolio and the Boardmaster. The company has integrated all these presses into its digital ecosystem comprising equipment, Prinect software, consumables, and service as well as training and consulting.
The Roland Evolution 900 is a 6B3 large format press that includes new TripleFlow inking technology, providing three separate inker running modes, while the AC Drive promises users an annual saving of up to 10,000 kWh – or eight years over the lifetime of the press.
It prints at up to 16,500 sheets/hour, takes up to 0.04mm to 1.2mm in stock thickness, as well as a sheet format minimum of 600mm by 850mm and a sheet format maximum of 1060mm by 1450mm.
(l-r) Ball & Doggett’s David Reece and Leigh Hooper
The new Cartonmaster CX 145 adds a VLF sheetfed offset press to the Heidelberg portfolio
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Experience the next chapter of labels and flexible packaging printing evolution. Discover the future, crafted by our digital printing systems.
Hybrid Software launches PACKZ 11 with industry-first RIP integration
Hybrid Software has unveiled its latest innovation in its flagship PACKZ software. The new PACKZ 11 launch introduces PACKZ Max, featuring integrated Harlequin RIP technology for screening control from within the PACKZ PDF editor.
This release also debuts support for extensions to the industry-standard CF2 file format for folding carton and corrugated packaging, along with an automatic upgrade from 1D to 2D barcodes supporting the GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiative, paving the way or the future of barcodes on packaging.
“PACKZ Max is a true game-changer, built entirely on Hybrid’s proprietary tech stack with the industry-leading Harlequin RIP inside,” Hybrid Software product manager Pascal Wybo said.
“For the first time ever, flexo prepress service providers and printing houses can handle all prepress operations within a single unified application. This delivers unprecedented process efficiency, superior screening quality, smooth gradients, and consistent colour while eliminating the need for costly additional RIP servers.”
PACKZ Max converts artwork into precise dot patterns, generating real-time rasterised previews and expertly managing final output to platesetters. By seamlessly combining
advanced PDF editing with live RIP previews, precise screening, and optimised 1-bit TIFF output, PACKZ Max aims to maximise print quality and operational efficiency for both flexo and offset printing workflows.
Hybrid Software said with the launch of PACKZ 11, it introduces support for new extensions to the CF2 format co-developed with other industry leaders to meet the unique demands of folding carton and corrugated printing.
The technology incorporates critical features such as bend angles and sequencing of creasing lines, providing essential data for 3D visualisation and automated formatting.
The extended CF2 format can be seamlessly interpreted by 3D modeling software, including Hybrid Software’s iC3D ray-tracing software as well as by structural design management systems and digital cutting and folding machines. The advancement
strengthens Hybrid Software’s commitment to improved system interoperability and open, standardised formats.
PACKZ 11 also aims to empower label and packaging professionals to meet the demands of GS1 Sunrise 2027, the initiative set out by the global non-profit organisation that sets supply chain standards, including requirements for barcode support.
The new version automatically identifies traditional barcodes and converts them into data-rich GS1 QR Codes and GS1 Data Matrix symbols, enhancing visibility of information about a product for traceability, and deeper consumer engagement.
PACKZ 11 is also packed with other enhancements that elevate prepress and packaging print workflow to empower users with efficient tools, cutting-edge innovation, and the ability to stay ahead of industry standards.
Suntory has officially launched Suntory Oceania, its $3 billion multi-beverage business in Australia, the fourth-largest multi-beverage group in the region.
The new venture, announced in August 2023, brings together a portfolio of more than 40 brands across spirits, RTD (ready-todrink) alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, coffee, energy and sports drinks, juice, and water.
Dai Minato, CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania, said the move signalled the company’s strong belief in the region’s potential.
“Our mission is to bring the best of Suntory to Oceania and demonstrate the immense confidence we have in Australia’s growth potential,” he said.
The company’s Queensland facility – a $400 million carbon-neutral site – has been transformed from a greenfield location in just over two years. It will produce 20 million cases annually at launch, with capacity to
expand to 50 million. The site was officially opened by senator Anthony Chisholm and Queensland minister for finance and trade, Ros Bates.
“At Suntory, our culture is shaped by our unique ‘Yatte Minahare’ spirit, which has encouraged us to dream big and make those dreams a reality for over a century. I’m excited by the ambition of our people, the strength of our brands, and the opportunity to shape new beverage experiences. This is just the beginning,” Minato said.
Suntory Global Spirits – Oceania managing director Mark Hill said the local market’s
momentum was a key driver, adding, “The Australian beverages market is one of the most energetic and innovative in the world. Suntory Oceania gives us the platform to truly ignite the industry”.
“Our Queensland facility complements our global production footprint – which includes distilleries and bottling sites across North America, Europe, and Japan – and will produce more of the drinks Australians love, like those from the rapidly growing RTD category.”
Suntory will extend the Oceania business to New Zealand in January 2026.
The new PACKZ 11 launch introduces PACKZ Max
(l-r) Mark Hill (Suntory Global Spirits Oceania) and Dai Minato (Suntory Beverage and Food Oceania)
East Coast Canning + Printing unveils BulletProof
can
After three years of development and testing, New South Wales-based East Coast Canning + Printing is set to unveil the world’s most durable digitally printed can.
East Coast says the BulletProof can sets a new standard for brewers, offering durability, a broader scope for design options and brand integrity, while meeting the manufacturer’s own high standards in sustainability for the beverage industry.
East Coast founder and general manager Chris Kelly said the impact of the new can on the brewing industry is simply professionalism.
“When your packaging holds up after being tossed around in transit or sitting in ice for hours, it reflects on your whole brand. This helps brewers release more styles, ship more confidently, and grow their brand without worrying about how the can’s going to hold up in the real world,” he said.
The new product can handle the demanding conditions of supply chains – from enduring the heat of tunnel pasteurisation to withstanding scratches from transport or storage in ice.
Kelly said the biggest improvement has been the adhesion or how well ink bonds to the can.
“Digital printing has always had a few durability challenges, but we’ve worked hard over several years to solve them. Through a mix of tighter controls and process tweaks (and yes, some serious science), we’ve been able to lock the ink in place in a way that’s genuinely approaching the level of offset printed cans,” he said.
“The result is a can that behaves like a can should – able to take a hit, sit in ice, and still look the part when it matters the most to brands.”
As a result, he described the innovation as transformative not only for the industry but East Coast too.
“From being Australia’s first mobile canning company to introducing our multimillion-dollar digital direct-to-vessel printing technology, BulletProof is a new step forward in offering beverage producers a canning and printing solution that gives consumers a top-quality brand experience when they are holding the can.”
The BulletProof cans are also fully recyclable and offer matte and spot gloss finishes directly printed onto the aluminium, ensuring aesthetic appeal and environmental responsibility. Additional design attributes like CMYK colour palette, tactile feel, and metallic finishes have historically relied on wrap-around or shrink-sleeve labels, complicating recycling processes.
“We don’t chase ‘green’ as a trend, we build better packaging solutions because we believe the best version of this industry is one that’s also good for the planet,” Kelly said.
“But sustainable options only work if they’re great products too. Improving performance like we have here by making the cans more durable, more versatile, more useful for more brewers is exactly how we help those sustainable solutions succeed in the long run.”
According to East Coast, by eliminating adhesive labels, the company has prevented over 33 tonnes of single-use plastic from entering the Australian beverage market in just two years.
The initial rollout of the BulletProof can includes the 375ml classics and select varieties of the sleek can sizes (330ml and 355ml). East Coast anticipates the 330ml, 355ml, 440ml, and 500ml classics to be available next year.
Pakko’s quiet move signals a bigger shift in Australian manufacturing
Brisbane-based packaging manufacturer
Pakko is in the midst of a quiet but significant transition, preparing to relocate to a new purpose-built headquarters in Virginia, QLD.
While the company has confirmed operations remain steady at its current site, with no interruptions to production, the move marks an intentional step forward for the business.
With increasing demand, deeper national reach, and ongoing investment in local manufacturing, Pakko CEO and founder Nina Nguyen said it is positioning itself for what’s next.
“We’ve designed this move to be seamless for our clients. It’s business as usual, but
behind the scenes, we’re building for the future,” Nguyen said.
Pakko has built its reputation on speed,
reliability, and sustainable custom packaging solutions for Australian businesses.
Nguyen said this next chapter gives the team room to grow, streamline, and explore new possibilities, while staying true to the values that shaped the company from the start.
“Many businesses right now, across industries and at every scale, are feeling the weight of rising costs and shifting conditions. It’s a tough environment, but not without possibility,” she said.
“Pakko’s steady momentum is a small reminder that progress can still happen, even in uncertain times. While our focus remains on strengthening what we do internally, we’re open to conversations that spark new ideas, fresh energy or unexpected partnerships. Sometimes, the best shifts happen when things feel the most uncertain.”
The full details of the new headquarters will be announced once the transition is complete. For now, Pakko’s move hints at more than just a change of address –it signals momentum, resilience, and the beginning of something bigger.
East Coast’s BulletProof can sets a new standard for brewers
Pakko CEO and founder Nina Nguyen
Detmold Group constructs new Adelaide headquarters
Detmold Group is constructing its new Adelaide headquarters to foster collaboration and innovation, and support continued local and international growth.
The group’s new global headquarters will accommodate up to 240 employees, with staff from eight sites across Adelaide metropolitan suburbs Brompton, Hindmarsh, and Regency Park consolidating under one roof by the end of 2026.
Staff from the Detmold Group corporate functions and sales companies Detpak, PaperPak, Detmold Medical, and Cup & Carry will relocate to the new head office, which sits alongside existing manufacturing and warehousing facilities.
Detmold Group CEO Sascha Detmold Cox said the company’s new headquarters represents a “strategic investment in the future of the Detmold Group”.
“Purpose-built with sustainability, collaboration and employee wellbeing in mind, our new corporate home integrates
Planet Ark steps out of voluntary administration
Following a recent meeting of creditors, Planet Ark Environmental Foundation has been returned to its directors and is no longer under voluntary administration.
At the second meeting of creditors, the Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA) submitted by the organisation was unanimously approved, reflecting the strong support from Planet Ark’s employees and stakeholders.
“[This] marks the beginning of a new chapter for the organisation. With renewed focus and vigour, we remain committed to our mission of empowering Australians to take positive environmental actions,” Planet Ark said, in a statement.
“We are immensely grateful for the backing and goodwill shown by our supporters during this time, and for the leadership of voluntary administrators Michael Jones and Bruce Gleeson of Jones Partners Insolvency & Restructuring, who have guided Planet Ark through this process with a great deal of professionalism and care. As we move forward, Planet Ark will continue delivering our wellknown and well-loved programs with the same passion and dedication that have made them cornerstones of environmental action in Australia for decades.
contemporary design with environmentallyresponsible solutions and an open-plan layout that supports collaboration and innovation,” Detmold Cox said.
“Bringing our Detmold family under one roof will help foster stronger connections, knowledge sharing, and a unified culture aligned with our core values.”
Family-run Adelaide construction business Centina and design studio, Studio Nine Architects, have been appointed to build and design the new 5,100sqm headquarters at 260 Regency Road, Regency Park.
The new three-level building will include formal and informal meeting spaces with an open-plan design, breakout areas, on-site
parking, end-of-trip facilities, an onsite café, and a green outdoor terrace.
The building will adopt green design features to maximise natural lighting and ventilation and shade for energy efficiency, well-being and comfort, along with rainfall harvesting and recirculation.
Site-works for the development-approved build will commence in June with project completion scheduled for October 2026.
There will be about 75 people on site each day, with up to 200 employed for the entire project. Manufacturing at Brompton will continue, with planning underway to also relocate those operations to Regency Park within the next five years.
“This milestone reaffirms our belief in the strength of Planet Ark’s mission and the value it brings to communities, schools, businesses, and governments across the country. We thank all those who have stood by us and look forward to working together toward a more sustainable future.”
Planet Ark entered voluntary administration in April following a review of the organisation’s financial position and future viability.
“Established in 1992, Planet Ark has proudly worked for decades to inspire Australians to live more sustainably through a range of well-known environmental campaigns and programs including National Tree Day and National Recycling Week,” it said, in April.
“Despite the dedication to this work by the Planet Ark team, the impact of COVID-19 on stakeholder support, current economic climate and ongoing funding challenges have significantly impacted our operations.
“Voluntary administration provides an opportunity for an independent assessment of the organisation’s affairs and to explore potential options for restructuring that will allow the organisation to continue our important work.
“Planet Ark recognises the importance of the environmental mission we continue to pursue every day and we sincerely believe that the organisation’s contribution to that mission will continue with renewed strength beyond this process.”
Planet Ark Environmental Foundation is now out of voluntary administration
A render of Detmold Group’s new Adelaide headquarters
Durst strengthens hybrid labels production with Labels Factory
Durst redefines the hybrid printing concept through its strategic partnership with OMET
Durst Labels Factory aims to power print and elevate workflows with hybrid labels printing solutions. Next-level productivity can be achieved with the Durst-OMET KJet, a cylinderbased printing system, and XJet, a premium sleeve-based printing system, designed to optimise labels printing efficiency and reduce unnecessary costs.
The launch of the KJet follows an announcement at Labelexpo Europe in 2023, extending the hybrid development partnership between the two organisations beyond the XJet platform.
“The current XJet platform, which has been the leading hybrid solution in the market with multiple installations worldwide, will be further improved and expanded,” both companies said at the time.
Durst Oceania managing director Matt Ashman emphasised the importance of providing customers with a single, reliable point of contact in the market.
As a result, Durst has assumed exclusive responsibility for the global sales of the KJet and XJet.
“The launch of the KJet and the introduction of the XJet strengthens our incredible relationship with OMET,” Ashman said.
“These two Italian industry powerhouses – one from the mountains and one from the lakes – have joined forces to help transition analogue businesses to a digital future delivering a truly collaborative and complimentary partnership. Durst Oceania is proud to bring these solutions to the regions of Australia, New Zealand and beyond.
“This partnership and collaboration delivers the Durst digital engine cradled within the traditional engineering supplied by OMET that is historically loved and highly regarded by the label converting community.
“The KJet and XJet product range has been designed to fit both small and large label converting, delivering medium volume to high volume work for those businesses looking to augment and complement their traditional analogue label products with a cutting-edge inkjet solution that only an OMET and Durst partnership can deliver.
“The beauty of this hybrid solution is that it is a true hybrid of the Durst RSCi and the KFlex or XFlex combined with all the advantages that those robust and reliable machines deliver.
“The sky is the limit with various configurations available – yes, you can have your flexo unit with this configuration; yes, you can have your slitting unit with this configuration.
“This is truly the best of all worlds for the astute converter that can access every solution and every module available with the KFlex and the XFlex machines combined with the fastest and highest quality LED UV inkjet printing engine available on the market today.
“We have seen the labels category growing exponentially; however every business is looking for versatility in the investment that they make in today’s competitive world and every dollar needs to deliver.
“Hence, it was essential for Durst to grow its partnership with OMET, as this is what traditional label converters have been telling us is needed in the marketplace – and we have delivered.”
The launch of the KJet strengthens Durst’s incredible relationship with OMET
Durst has been at the forefront of the digital printing revolution and evolution for the last 20 years – assisting strong traditional analogue businesses embrace, expand, and depend on digital solutions that complement their rich analogue products.
“Some have thought that digital technology was designed and created to usurp analogue technology. However, Durst has known for many years that this is not the case,” Ashman said.
“Businesses that have invested in rich analogue knowledge and capability are looking to add a digital solution. What’s more, a hybrid digital solution can elevate the final product and future-proof their businesses. The Durst digital label technology is represented by the RSCi platform, which has been very successful globally in its own right, offering direct-tomedia high quality inkjet up to 100 linear metres per minute and high opacity white.
“The question I always get asked is who will support the sale, installation, and service for a hybrid product like the KJet and the XJet. The answer is simple – Durst will. Durst Oceania will install, service and support all KJet and XJet sales in the Oceania region.
“Our message to existing and future OMET customers is straightforward – visit our stand at Labelexpo Europe in September or attend our Durst Beyond event at the Durst head office at Brixen from 13-15 September. You will see the KJet installed at the Durst Customer Experience Center and see the benefits of this hybrid product as it is demonstrated to the world.
“Customers are always invited to visit the Durst headquarters and experience the KJet printing system firsthand. In addition, our exhibit at Labelexpo Europe in Barcelona offers another opportunity to explore Durst’s latest innovations and meet and network with like-minded businesses across the globe. We will also organise educational sessions and seminars as well as visits to key label converters in the region, so visitors can see
firsthand how the Durst digital technology can make a real difference to the profitability and success of your business.
“We welcome all print providers from any speciality to come and experience the KJet and XJet collaboration as we have seen the growth of start-up business units within non-related traditional print providers that have embraced the value that label converting can offer.”
Durst sales director for labels and packaging Thomas Macina shared his excitement regarding the KJet and the importance of the OMET partnership.
“The combination of digital with flexo offers an innovative hybrid solution that maximises productivity and flexibility, enabling printers to select between flexo or digital printing. This optimises efficiency and reduces costs while meeting evolving market demands such as personalisation and just-in-time deliveries in a single-pass. We have been leading the inkjet label printing market for many years and we provide solutions for all label converters
around the world – starting with entry level solutions up to industrial needs with 100m/ min and 510 millimetres wide,” Macina said.
“We have been observing a clear market trend towards end-to-end production and this is why we have reinforced our partnership with OMET. At drupa, we launched the KJet – which is the perfect combination of a dual-servo cylinder based flexo unit combined with the robustness, efficiency, and productivity of the Durst RSCi digital print engine. This provides operators with a new experience in terms of simplicity, minimal set-up time, and low waste.”
Durst CEO and co-owner, Christoph Gamper described the K-Jet as a product that is “beyond your standard label press”.
“It is customised to the needs of the converter and it is a perfect synergy. We see the alliance with OMET as the best of both worlds. There is no need to invent everything by ourselves. We are the digital experts – this is where we are coming from and this is where we are going,” he said.
The XJet is a premium sleeve-based printing system designed to optimise labels printing efficiently
Century Printing & Packaging from the US believes in the Durst ultimate hybrid concept
KJet – Durst and OMET deliver the ultimate hybrid concept
Representing an unprecedented partnership between two of the industry’s most respected manufacturers, Durst and OMET, the KJet represents the pinnacle of hybrid technology, offering operators a seamless experience with its user-friendly interface and ultra-short web path. This design not only minimises waste but also reduces setup times, showcasing the advantages of digital printing.
Combining the great ‘cylinder-base dual-servo’ flexo technology from OMET with the robustness and reliability of Durst RSCi digital printing engine, the KJet line is born to be the benchmark in hybrid printing machines.
The power of its automation and register control redefine the concept of versatility and extend the boundaries of printing and converting solutions. Endless possibilities of applications, from labels to packaging without compromising on performance or print quality.
“The combination of digital with flexo enables printers to select between flexo or digital printing, thereby optimising efficiency and reducing costs while meeting evolving market demands such as personalisation and just-in-time deliveries in a singlepass,” Durst Oceania managing director Matt Ashman said.
THE DURST LABELS FACTORY
Power your print and elevate your workflow with the hybrid labels printing solutions Durst-Omet KJet and XJet – combining inkjet, flexo and in-line finishing for unmatched efficiency.
For more information, please visit
durst-group.com/labels-factory
Rethinking packaging for a sustainable world: Google
Google packaging sustainability lead Miguel Arevalo recently discussed the company’s forward-thinking approach to sustainable packaging at the Empack 2025 forum
As the world grapples with the urgency of sustainability, the packaging industry finds itself at a crossroads. The quest for solutions that balance environmental responsibility with functionality, consumer satisfaction, and economic viability has never been more complex. Amid this landscape, Google’s approach to packaging is redefining the future of design and materials.
With Miguel Arevalo as Google packaging sustainability lead, Google’s packaging team is a driving force behind the company’s efforts to rethink packaging – not just as a logistical necessity but as a catalyst for global change.
Their work is at the forefront of Google’s mission to revolutionise packaging, making it more sustainable, transparent, and adaptable to the evolving needs of a rapidly changing world.
For the Google packaging team, sustainable packaging is not a “one-size-fits-all”
solution but an ongoing experimentation, learning, and iteration journey.
As Arevalo explained at the recent Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 event, “Packaging is not just about protecting the product. It’s about ensuring that it has minimal environmental impact, that it can be reused and recycled, and that it serves the future needs of our planet”.
Google’s packaging approach prioritises using fibre-based materials to drive circularity. Recognising the challenges of mixed-material packaging, Google focuses on a single material stream – fibre – to leverage the existing paper waste stream and improve recyclability rates.
“We acknowledge plastic’s versatility across various applications; however, its ubiquity in packaging poses direct challenges to its effective recyclability. Recognising this, our team focuses on maximising the potential of fibre,” Arevalo said.
“This strategy requires the elimination of plastics from our packaging to ensure compatibility with existing recycling systems.”
Google’s packaging evolution centres on the concept of circularity. With millions of products shipping globally, its team recognises the need for packaging that works across diverse regions and product categories.
Google’s commitment to eliminating plastic from its packaging reflects a focus on material circularity, ensuring that packaging components can be readily recycled within existing infrastructure.
Arevalo said Google is committed to developing plastic-free packaging solutions that prioritise recyclability.
“We need to ask ourselves: how can we create packaging that is truly circular, ensuring materials are effectively recycled?” Arevalo added.
Google packaging sustainability lead Miguel Arevalo
In the race to develop sustainable packaging, transparency and knowledge sharing have become cornerstones of Google’s strategy.
According to Arevalo, one of the biggest challenges in the packaging sector today is managing consumer expectations. With sustainability claims often clouded by greenwashing, they believe honest communication is crucial to building consumer trust.
“One of the key lessons we’ve learnt is that consumers want transparency. They don’t just want to hear about what we’re doing – they want to understand why and how we’re doing it,” Arevalo said.
“It’s not about making bold claims; it’s about telling a story that aligns with our long-term sustainability goals. We’ve adopted an open-source approach to support this, developing resources like our Plastic-Free Packaging Design Guide. By sharing our journey, including successes and challenges, we aim to empower other companies to accelerate their sustainability efforts.”
At Google, Arevalo said pursuing sustainability is not about achieving perfection overnight but about making incremental improvements.
“Sustainability is a journey. It’s about progress, not perfection. We must acknowledge that we’re constantly learning and improving as we go along. No solution is perfect, but we’re committed to reducing our impact every step of the way,” Arevalo noted.
He also believes in collaboration within the packaging industry and across sectors.
“No single company can tackle these challenges alone. We need to work together to drive real change,” Arevalo said.
“Google’s approach to packaging is rooted in partnerships – with suppliers, competitors, and industry leaders – to develop holistic solutions that benefit the environment and society. At Google, we believe innovation in sustainability should be a collaborative effort, not a competitive one.
“Packaging is a multidisciplinary challenge. It involves design, materials science, logistics, and consumer behaviour. Working in silos doesn’t work.
“We openly share our learnings and insights, empowering companies to develop solutions. It’s not enough to claim something can be done; we believe in demonstrating how solutions are achieved. We collaborate with material manufacturers, logistics partners, and
competitors to push the boundaries of what’s possible in packaging. We aim to accelerate innovation and share knowledge so the entire industry can evolve.”
According to Arevalo, Google is actively looking into other distribution solutions that can challenge current produce-usedispose paradigms to other closed loops.
Google has been working on internal closed-loop systems to develop solutions to move product components among its suppliers to their assembly centres and has created reusable closed-loop systems to eliminate single-use packaging and drive circularity across their supply chain.
At the heart of Google’s packaging strategy is a focus on design. Arevalo stresses that a product’s packaging design is integral to its sustainability. From reducing unnecessary materials to creating designs that encourage reuse, the aesthetic and functionality of packaging play a crucial role in driving sustainable behaviours.
“The packaging must work not just for today but for the long-term,” Arevalo said.
“We need designs that work for consumers, are scalable, and are within existing infrastructure. That means considering everything from the material’s life cycle to its end-of-life impact.”
As the packaging industry faces increasing pressure to become more sustainable, Google’s packaging team�s work serves as a beacon for others in the industry.
Through innovation, transparency, and collaboration, Google is showing that sustainable packaging is not just about reducing waste but about rethinking the entire lifecycle of a product’s packaging.
Arevalo finds the future of packaging balances environmental stewardship with cutting-edge innovation.
“It’s about rethinking packaging from the ground up, from the materials we use,” Arevalo concluded.
“At Google, we’re committed to pushing boundaries and leading the charge, and we also know that the more we collaborate, the faster we’ll get there. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about making meaningful progress together.”
Arevalo added that as we look to the future, it’s clear that the packaging industry is undergoing a transformative shift.
With leaders like Arevalo at the helm, the future is one where packaging becomes a key player in the fight against climate change, driving innovation, and collaboration at every stage of the supply chain.
The packaging of Google Nest Learning Thermostat
The packaging of the Google Pixel 9
Graffica ends financial year on a high with multiple orders
Graffica has closed the financial year with both new and returning customers making significant machinery purchases, and onboarding new products
Graffica has reported a very successful financial year, bringing in business from new and returning customers and expanding its range of solutions.
Neil Southerington, owner of the printing packaging and converting machinery company, said several customers have purchased new kit from his business.
Graffica is celebrating the recent sale of a high speed Fengchi laminating machine to a Melbourne-based business.
“We’re very excited about this opportunity as it’s the first Fengchi laminating machine to come to the Australian and New Zealand market,” Southerington said.
“The customer viewed the machine on several occasions at drupa last year.
“It isn’t unusual for major capital expenditure to have a long gestation period, and they have since made the investment as they were in awe of it.
“We’ll provide more details to the market once the machine has been installed at the customer’s premises.”
The Fengchi laminating machine delivers up to 15,000 sheets per hour. In addition to its high speed, the fully servo machine delivers on fast set-up times, accuracy, partial lamination, two-sided lamination, and lightweight top sheets to single face.
Graffica also sold a high-end WonderJet water-based digital printer, CorrFold folder gluer, and high-speed slotter/ creasing machine to a customer in the Australia and New Zealand region.
“The customer bought the WonderJet water-based multi-pass digital printer, which was also a first for Australia and New Zealand,” Southerington said.
“This client is a return customer of ours. Previously, they purchased two Autobox carton making machines (one with two colour flexo print), and more recently, a CorrFold folding box gluer with a pre-creasing unit, as well as the Matrix 1700 high-speed quick-set fully automated slotting/creasing machine.
“The WonderJet brings impressive new technology to the custom box market. We’re seeing more demand for shortto medium-run personalised packaging, and this machine is a great fit for that.”
WonderJet’s product portfolio encompasses an extensive array of printing presses, ranging from the WDMS250 model that seamlessly blends multi-pass, high-precision scanning with high-speed single-pass printing, to a diverse selection of multi-pass and single-pass digital printers, and a comprehensive range of supporting equipment and consumables.
The new single-pass machine comes with white ink and prints at speeds of up to 105m/min.
“White ink is the holy grail of the brown box business,” Southerington added.
Another successful installation for the financial year Graffica is proud to highlight is at Victoria-based Affinity Print. The company invested in an 850 CartonFold folding box gluer and a 1060 fully optioned Century die cutter, offering clients high-end packaging solutions.
“At drupa last year, we were able to view the new die cutters from Century. There were only two manufacturers of die cutters with full blanking (in-line waste removal) previously, but there are now three with the addition of the 1060mm by 760mm sheet size MEB 1060mm die cutter with stripping and blanking station,” Southerington said.
“The die cutting machines displayed resulted in sales, with a Century die cutter installed
at Affinity Print earlier this year, as part of its expansion into a brand-new facility, along with a fully optioned folder gluer.
“The 1060 fully optioned automatic flatbed Century die cutter is known for its die cutting, stripping, and creasing of high-end coloured cardboard boxes. The 850 CartonFold folding box gluer’s capabilities covers the whole gamut of box folding. The machines add significant value to Affinity Print’s packaging needs.”
According to Southerington, the new financial year is looking equally positive for A/NZ, with its recently added Matrix glue plotter range for box makers and display customers, and its Ameida cutting tables enhanced with the addition of ‘auto feed and deliver’ capabilities.
Following drupa, Graffica also secured the agency for Huatai die cutting and embellishing machines. Graffica will be promoting high-end machinery from the China-based company, including small and medium format die cutters that are able to process up to 9,000 sheets per hour at an accuracy of 0.075mm, in addition to stripping and dedicated foiling machines.
As for JIT cartons and custom boxmakers, Graffica is now offering AOPACK machines, a highly advanced custom box maker with up to 150 box styles. Line glue application and cutting table technology heads incorporated, and basic print can also be achieved on the machines.
Guowei’s latest range of guillotines, distributed in partnership with Robert Allan from Melbourne-based Allan’s Graphic Engineers, will also be a focus for Graffica moving forward.
“The Guowei guillotines, which are available from 52cm to 300cm, were a highlight at the recent PacPrint tradeshow and will be a key focus of ours moving forward as well,” Southerington added.
“Graffica has enjoyed many years of great success, and we look forward to our involvement in the buoyant corrugated and carton-board box market. All the best to everyone for this financial year.”
The Huatai HT 1060 T high-speed machine
PACKAGING AND DISPLAY EQUIPMENT
See our range of folding box gluers, board slitters, creasing machines, auto loaders, unloading cutting tables and more. Discover
PEOPLE IN PACKAGING
“We
don’t just make a pretty picture”: Paul Rumens
In this feature, Tweak managing director Paul Rumens addresses his desire to make packaging work in the market, on the shelf, and in the real world
There’s a calm precision about Paul Rumens that feels earned –the kind of presence that comes from decades spent not just working in design but mastering its intricacies. Now managing director at Sydney-based creative studio Tweak, Rumens is an interesting hybrid: a creative thinker with a technical backbone and a craftsman’s eye for detail.
With an extensive background in packaging, Rumens has worked for many agencies over the years, across many categories, but the intricacy and challenge of what it takes to get effective packaging to work has always drawn him back into the space.
He’s not just a design purist – he’s also a generalist in the best sense of the word. A former Apple-certified engineer, a retoucher, a 3D designer, an occasional illustrator – Rumens’ lateral skill set is rare. But it’s his strategic lens that drives the process.
Rumens started his professional journey early – leaving school at just 16 years of age in London, he entered a youth training scheme that placed him with a company focused on packaging and production. He quickly proved a natural fit within a team that valued craft and detail, immersing himself in the predigital world of bromide cameras, paste -up tables, and scalpels.
As the design industry evolved, Rumens adapted seamlessly, transitioning from analogue to digital while upholding the craftsmanship of his early years. He understood that digital tools were only as powerful as the decisions behind them.
“The best thing about the scheme was that for the vast majority, I was placed in a real company doing real work. This was also while the industry was shifting to digital workflows, so being in a real workplace allowed me to experience this firsthand,” he said.
“Instead of using a rotary, I was using PostScript. But it was still about discernment. You still had to see what needed adjusting.”
That attention to detail became his calling card. While working in corporate identity, Rumens became known as the person who would catch what others missed.
“I remember a design director once said, ‘I want Paul to check it. He’ll fix the kerning’. That was my reputation – the guy who actually cared about the spacing between letters,” Rumens recalled.
One of his most technically demanding projects – and a personal favourite – was redrawing the London Underground Tube Map.
“It taught me which rules you could break, and which you couldn’t. It was one of
those jobs where the reward is in the finesse. You finish it and feel a true sense of accomplishment,” he said.
Another test of patience and precision came with the digital remastering of the Glenfiddich range – originally built in bromide. It was a laborious process, but one that made Rumens appreciate how nimble the tools of today really are.
“It was such simpler times back then! I was provided with the master bromides; I had to scan them in (we had a dedicated Mac for that) then run it through Adobe Streamline, to convert it to outlines, but it would lose a lot in translation. It was
Tweak managing director Paul Rumens
a meticulous process to redraw over the top,” he recalled.
“The other issue is that the master bromide was not the original – it was a bromide of a bromide, of a bromide – this causes the issue of rounding and some areas ‘filling in’ a bit. The goal was not to make a perfect facsimile, but to interpret what the original intent was.”
Moving to greener pastures
In 2001, craving a new challenge, Rumens packed up his life in London and moved to Sydney. He worked on everything from annual reports for Westpac to advertising for P&O Cruises. But packaging, according to Rumens, offers something other design disciplines don’t: tangibility.
“You can hold it; you can turn it over. It has to work from all angles – physically and emotionally,” he said.
In January 2008, he joined Tweak and moved up the ranks over almost 18 years.
There’s something old school in Rumens’ approach – not in his methods, but in his principles. He values integrity over speed, clarity over flash, and collaboration over hierarchy. He is a design leader who builds trust, champions integrity, and continues to shape packaging with the same care he learned in a London studio more than 30 years ago – one detail at a time.
“At Tweak, design is not just about aesthetics – it’s about strategy, problemsolving, and trust. We don’t just make a pretty picture. We make something that works in the market, on the shelf, in the real world,” Rumens said.
Rumens currently manages the Colgate -Palmolive account across Australia and Asia, guiding this year’s design and artwork projects for Total, Optic White, Ajax, and Palmolive.
“One of the biggest, most impressive artwork projects for Colgate-Palmolive was probably the roll out of Total for the Asia Pacific market, but my personal favourite is the Palmolive Dish Australian Extracts. We worked with Aboriginal Art by Lani, who created some beautiful art, but then we had to manoeuvre the challenge of getting the art to work on pack, which we did successfully,” he said.
A unique leadership style
One thing that defines Rumens’ leadership style is his refusal to rush.
“Clients say, ‘We need it now’. But if you don’t get it right at the start, it takes longer in the end. Good briefing saves time, even if it doesn’t feel like it,” he said.
PEOPLE IN PACKAGING
Problem-solving is what drives him – not just in creative execution, but in the way Tweak operates. He recounts a project for a natural skincare range that included a leaf texture no one could trace the origin of.
“I asked, ‘Where did this come from? Who owns it?’ No one knew. So, we recreated it –photographed, illustrated, tiled it properly. Now they can use it at any scale, even wrap a bus with it. That’s the kind of thinking that saves you later,” Rumens mentioned.
This proactive mindset has paid off. Clients who have left Tweak often come back, citing the studio’s foresight and clarity in communication and in process. At Tweak, he has helped foster a culture where ideas are interrogated, artwork is built with intent, and freelancers and clients alike are treated with respect and professionalism.
“Tweak has always been very focused on doing the best work, not the most work. We don’t want to be a big company that loses its core value. Our plan is simple –keep the standard high and produce the best work we can, and create long-term relationships that build in-depth brand knowledge,” he said.
“We’re not just designing; we’re advising. We’re saying, this won’t work, or this will, but only if you do X, Y, Z. That’s what sets Tweak apart.”
Trends affecting business
In an era of AI-generated visuals and fastturnaround artwork, Rumens remains focused on what matters: design that works, storytelling that holds up to scrutiny, and packaging that reflects the values of the brand behind it.
His view is that the best design is not only beautiful, but fit for purpose, adaptable, and underpinned by sound thinking.
And while he sees AI as a powerful new tool, he believes its use in packaging must be carefully managed – not just creatively, but legally and ethically.
“Just recently, news broke that Disney is suing AI firm MidJourney, and the evidence is very compelling. Until we have all the answers about the legalities around AI, we must tread carefully to not put our clients at risk. That’s not to say we don’t use AI, but it is just another tool on the belt,” he said.
He’s also deeply invested in getting sustainability messaging right.
“There have been many trends over the years, but the biggest now is sustainability – how do you keep packaging looking great but recyclable? The industry has used special materials such as foil board as a crutch for many years,” Rumens said.
“We have been walking the sustainability path for a while, but every region is different, and the biggest challenge is on a global design that does not have the same restrictions that we do.
“It’s not as easy as slapping on a green icon. We have to make sure it’s APCOcompliant, accurate, and country-specific. The details matter – if you’re going to charge more for a sustainable product, the pack has to justify it.”
What still keeps Rumens in this industry and excites him about design is problem solving and “making things real”.
“That moment when a concept turns into packaging you can hold in your hand and it works? That’s magic,” he said.
One of Tweak’s packaging artwork projects for Colgate-Palmolive
The Palmolive Dish Australian Extracts project by Tweak is Rumens’ favourite
The biggest Labelexpo yet
More than 600 industry suppliers have already booked their spots for Labelexpo Europe 2025, with organisers expecting it to be the biggest Labelexpo event to date
Informa Markets is set to deliver its biggest Labelexpo event to date with Labelexpo Europe 2025, taking place from 16-19 September at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona.
More than 600 industry suppliers have already booked into the event, with 15 per cent exhibiting for the first time at the show and the show’s expansion already 12 per cent larger than the 2023 edition.
Evolving with the industry, Labelexpo Europe 2025 is also incorporating folding cartons for the first time, a strategic move responding to the convergence of inline and digital technologies, with the show once again cementing its position as a global platform for innovation and industry trends.
Here are some of the products that will be on show:
Bobst (Booth: 5E43)
Bobst will demonstrate the reality of its vision for outstanding packaging production at Labelexpo Europe. High-performance solutions with new processes, technologies, and features will be on show.
Among the innovations set to debut at the show, Bobst will unveil a “breakthrough digital printing solution for labels” developed to boost production agility, unlock new applications, and changing complex label production – all in a single pass.
Made possible by the high modularity and versatility of the Bobst Digital Master series platform, this industry-first, all-digital label solution is targeted at converters looking to diversify and add higher value for their customers.
Adding a unique dimension to the event, Bobst will also offer exclusive visits to customer sites, as nearby printing companies open their doors to showcase end-to-end label production with highly versatile solutions in action.
“Our commitment to the four pillars of the Bobst vision – digitalisation, automation, connectivity, and sustainability –continues to fuel our product innovation and dedicated service program, always with our focus on application versatility at the core,” Bobst PL labels marketing director Patrick Graber said.
Print & Pack Australia is the authorised agent for Bobst in Australia and New Zealand.
Canon (Booth: 4E07)
Canon has confirmed it will demonstrate a selection of its technologies for labels and packaging production at Labelexpo Europe, including LabelSteam LS2000 and Edale CartonLine.
Labelexpo Europe will run from 16-19 September at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona
The Bobst Digital Master 340
The company will showcase the LabelStream LS2000, a water-based, five-colour (CMYK plus white) inkjet digital label press. Designed for industrial-scale label printing, the LS2000 prints with speeds of up to 40m/min with a maximum printing width of 340mm.
Canon will also display a newly developed UVgel Factory Solution for Labels, featuring the Colorado M-series, Fotoba Jumbo Roll JRL 17 and Colex flatbed cutting table. This configuration will show automated roll printing and digital finishing of applications, including shaped posters, kiss-cut self-adhesives and labels.
Also on display will be Edale CartonLine, a single-pass flexographic carton production line that offers multiple in-line embellishments and traditional flatbed finishing.
“We look forward to displaying our range of innovative technologies and demonstrating how we can support converters to achieve long-term business success,” Canon EMEA senior manager of marketing and innovation for labels and packaging Edoardo Cotichini said.
Dantex (Booth: 5E73)
Dantex will showcase its latest innovations in digital printing and flexographic plate processing. Its stand will feature live demonstrations of the high-performance PicoJet digital UV inkjet press, which will operate in real-time to highlight its impressive speed, precision, and reliability.
Also to be featured is the newly developed PicoColour press, designed for increased flexibility and affordability, providing highquality output in a compact footprint.
Dantex’s flagship press, the PicoJet 1200, is capable of printing at speeds of up to 75m/min. To ensure its printhead technology is running at 100 per cent output at any speed, Dantex’s engineers have developed a climate-controlled electronics system to ensure there is no over-heating or requirement for extraction fans – this keeps the print environment as clean and energy efficient as possible.
As for the PicoJet 1200 DRS, it is built on a modular platform, making it available as a reel-to-reel press or as a bespoke hybrid system. This flexibility allows the incorporation of features such as die cutting and flexo station options. It can also be custom configured in a variety of base and additional colour stations.
The PicoColour is built on the PicoJet platform and benefits from this advanced technology. Offering a print width of 254mm and speeds up to 50m/min, the PicoColour is available as CMYK or CMYK+White with compact inline finishing.
Offering outstanding printed results and suitable for short- to long-run jobs, this press provides all the benefits of digital printing for today’s demanding production environment.
Experts from Dantex’s UK headquarters and subsidiaries in Germany, France, Poland, and Switzerland, together with local agent Nekkorb Solutions’ Sam Kay (Mob: +64277283723) will be on hand to offer advice and support.
Durst (Booth: 3E79)
At Labelexpo Europe 2025, Durst Group will showcase two highly innovative printing machines.
Delivering a full hybrid line, the Durst KJET, in a 420mm wide configuration with nine colours (LED), will boast numerous conventional features. The new press includes the latest developments to facilitate processes for operators, especially in prepress.
Next to the KJET, a compact, scalable digital printing unit with the new Tau RSC LED ink will be on display at the Durst booth. The press will be equipped
with features that demonstrate why Durst is leading the digital labels UV inkjet market.
“At Labelexpo Europe 2025, we proudly present our commitment to reliability, simplicity, and performance – the pillars that define our production excellence,” Durst Group said.
“With smart, efficient, and future-ready solutions, we empower our customers to elevate their label printing business. Experience the next chapter of labels and flexible packaging printing evolution at Labelexpo Europe, where you’ll also discover the future, crafted by our digital printing systems.”
Epson (Booths: 3E35 and E42)
At Labelexpo Europe, Epson will present its latest innovations in commercial and industrial label production, including the debut of its SurePress L-5034. The press is a new water-based ink digital label printing platform, engineered for higher productivity without compromising print quality, making it a suitable choice for label converters looking to increase productivity and operational efficiency on a broad range of substrates, from non-coated textured papers to metallised stocks.
Its optimiser liquid technology, jetted alongside colour inks, optimises dot formation and ensures precise control of drop placement, resulting in stunning image quality. Its advanced six-colour ink set (CMYK plus orange and green) offers an impressive colour gamut and extensive Pantone coverage.
Equipped with Epson’s PrecisionCore technology, the L-5034 delivers a native resolution of 1200dpi, ensuring outstanding image quality for fine details, small text, and smooth gradations.
Capable of handling a web width of 340mm and accommodating high-capacity rolls up to 120kg, the L-5034 is also built for versatility and reliability.
The new L-5034 will be accompanied by Epson’s other SurePress models, the L-6534VW and L4733AW, and an extensive range of ColorWorks on-demand colour label printers, including the C8000e series, the
The Canon LabelStream LS2000
Dantex’s newly developed PicoColour press
Durst Group has new technologies to show at Labelexpo Europe
The Epson SurePress L-5034
new ColorWorks D6000 series on-demand industrial label, and a demonstration of Epson’s first collaborative robot (AX6) in action with the ColorWorks C6000Pe, automating a test tube labelling process.
Fujifilm (Booth: 5D73)
Fujifilm’s stand will feature analogue and digital zones, offering an immersive experience that reflects its commitment to supporting traditional print processes while accelerating its shift to digital.
In the analogue area, live flexo plate production will be taking place using Fujifilm’s Flenex FW water-wash plates. This setup will showcase how fast and efficient high-quality platemaking can be, with complete platemaking cycles taking less than 40 minutes.
Alongside this, there will be demonstrations of Fujifilm’s LuXtreme LED UV system and CuremaX inks and varnishes, underlining Fujifilm’s expertise in providing sustainable, energy-efficient production solutions.
A dedicated presentation stage will host regular sessions on the benefits of Fujifilm’s analogue and digital solutions. These will include real-world customer success stories brought to life as partners and users take the stage to share how Fujifilm technologies have helped them grow and adapt.
The Jet Press FP790, Fujifilm’s innovative water-based digital inkjet press designed for flexible packaging, will be on show, offering a true alternative to flexo without compromising on quality or regulatory compliance.
Fujifilm’s leading flagship B2 digital inkjet press, the Jet Press 750S, increasingly relevant for folding carton applications, will also be featured. Also on display will be one of Fujifilm’s new ‘5UPER COLOUR’ 5-colour presses. Launched recently in Europe, the highly anticipated mid-range Revoria Press SC285S features an additional speciality toner station to allow five-colour printing in one pass.
Fujifilm’s Imprinting Solutions will also be featured on the stand, highlighting their versatility across a range of packaging applications.
At Labelexpo Europe, Heidelberg and Gallus will unveil a new chapter in their vision for smart, connected printing with the debut of two new machines.
As the label industry faces increasing demand for shorter runs and faster turnaround times, and converters are challenged to maintain productivity and profitability while navigating complex market dynamics and tightening margins, the launches at the show aim to tackle these pressing industry needs.
The companies said the new solutions will enable label converters to scale efficiently, respond rapidly to shifting market demands, and remain competitive in a fast-evolving landscape.
In addition, Heidelberg and Gallus’ joint appearance aims to reflect their commitment to leveraging this momentum as part of their growth strategy for the packaging and label segment – showcasing new technologies and end-to-end solutions that drive efficiency, productivity, and quality, to meet the evolving demands of brand owners and converters.
Gallus’ modular solutions are designed to work seamlessly not just within its own ecosystem, but also alongside complementary partner technologies from across the production line. These collaborations further demonstrate the company’s commitment to whole-industry advancement through shared purpose, vision, and a connected, end-to-end print ecosystem.
The booth will also feature a robust, unified lineup of technologies and samples, including sheetfed offset innovations for the efficient production of wet glue and in-mold labels, Heidelberg Prinect, Gallus Screeny, Gallus Services, and Gallus Classics.
“Together with the continued strength of our partnership with Heidelberg and a growing network of partners and collaborators, we’re looking forward to a successful event in Barcelona,” Gallus Group CEO Dario Urbinati said.
Hybrid Software (Booths: 5E55,E45, and E46)
Hybrid Software will unveil major upgrades to its PACKZ, CLOUDFLOW, and iC3D product lines at Labelexpo Europe. The latest innovations aim to focus on accelerating prepress workflows, automating complex label tasks, and enhancing design-to-print accuracy for label and packaging production.
Highlights include:
• PACKZ Max: The PDF editor now integrates Harlequin RIP directly for precise flexo screening, 1-bit TIFF output, and high-quality flexo and offset printing
• Packzimizer: Automated ganging and lane planning tool for digital label printing that optimises layout, minimises waste, and improves press efficiency. Packzimizer can also be automated as a module of the CLOUDFLOW workflow automation suite
• Multi-layer label automation: Prepress for peel-off labels now supports adhesive-free zones, CLP/CHS compliance, and 3D visualisation, powered by PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW
• CLOUDFLOW Colorspace: The 2025 EDP and Pinnacle Award winning software ensures consistent, precise colour reproduction across diverse substrates and printing technologies
• iC3D 11: Introduces smart embellishment application with spot colour detection and visual previews of foil, embossing, and varnish early in the prepress workflow
• SmartDFE: Hybrid Software’s OEM Software division (Global Graphics Software) will demonstrate the nextgeneration SmartDFE, the AI-driven digital front end recently recognised with the King’s Award for Enterprise.
Hybrid Software CEO Mike Rottenborn said, “We are excited to unveil the next generation of innovation from Hybrid Software at Labelexpo Europe 2025. Through intelligent automation, AI-driven workflows, and unparalleled innovation, our newest products allow our industry to work smarter – and not harder – for unmatched label quality”.
Heidelberg/Gallus (Booths: 3E23 and 3E29)
Fujifilm’s Jet Press FP790
The joint Heidelberg and Gallus booth will showcase a unified lineup of innovations
PACKZ Max now integrates Harlequin RIP directly for precise flexo screening
Konica Minolta (Booths: 5E61 and 5G60)
Together with MGI Digital Technology, Konica Minolta will be showcasing its latest advancements in digital label printing technology, offering attendees the opportunity to experience high-quality, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions.
Solutions on display will include:
• The AccurioLabel 400: Konica Minolta’s latest digital label press is setting new standards in label printing technology with a resolution of 2400 dpi by 1200 dpi. Including its innovative Intelligent Quality Care technology, impeccable colour consistency is ensured throughout the entire print run. The machine also features a new white toner, boasting more than 70 per cent opacity, while maintaining the same unparalleled reliability as the company’s trusted CYMK toners.
• An AccurioLabel prototype (technology preview): Konica Minolta will present a prototype of the AccurioLabel as a technology preview: With a newly added IQ unit for inline quality control, this new system will bring even more automation and productivity, and it will be the next generation version of its wellestablished AccurioLabel 230. While the new model will not be available immediately, Konica Minolta shares an early look at what is on the horizon.
• The MGI JETvarnish 3D Web 400: The MGI JETvarnish 3D Web 400 is the ideal solution for label printers as well as flexible packaging producers, who are looking for a digital way for embellishment to differentiate their services. The web-solution turns printed jobs into remarkable products that will immediately catch the attention of customers.
• The MGI Octopus Web: The MGI Octopus Web offers a brand-new technology for digital cutting and finishing of self-adhesive labels, using 4-axis cutting heads equipped with cutting blades.
• The GM DC350Nano: The DC350Nano is the most compact unit in GM’s series of label-finishing machines. With semirotary die cutting, lamination, and a genuine pneumatic knife box with crush knives, it is perfect for short-run label production.
Screen (Booth: 5D55)
Screen�s Truepress LABEL L350UV SAI-S flagship digital inkjet narrow web press will be showcased in several configurations
Screen will demonstrate how productivity and cost-effectiveness drives growth and profitability with the Truepress LABEL 350UV SAI-S, which the company calls the industry�s workhorse digital label press.
Known for its reliable precision-Japanese print engine design, wide colour gamut with extended orange and blue, new Digital Primer option for embellishing, alongside advanced workflow management, the Truepress LABEL 350UV SAI-S will be operating constantly to showcase the real-world productivity benefits of Screen inkjet innovations.
Visitors will see firsthand how Screen’s digital inkjet solutions deliver next-level productivity and profitability for shortrun printing jobs with unparalleled press uptimes and workflow versatility.
While the 350UV SAI-S will be shown as a roll-to-roll device, Screen has also experienced recent gains in the hybrid digital-flexo market with installs featuring Lombardi and Rotocon flexo converting stations, and a solution feeding into Grafiske Machinfabrik (GM) finishing.
“Screen GP Australia is delighted to attend Labelexpo Europe 2025 – for the first time in Barcelona, Spain,” Screen GP Australia managing director Peter Scott said.
“The extra space has enabled Labelexpo organisers to go beyond traditional label production and more effectively embrace flexible packaging and folding cartons –two areas of great interest for Screen, with the new Screen Truepress PAC 520P and PAC 830F digital presses shown at drupa, targeting paper-based flexibles and plastic flexibles respectively.
“Naturally, our highly successful Truepress Label L350UV SAI series will be prominently featured, as it is the most popular production inkjet digital press globally, with downtime as little as just 2 per cent using our TRUST service network.
“Screen Europe is holding full details of its Labelexpo display until right before the show but, suffice to say, there will be surprises. It’s all about flexibility, quality and reliability. Screen can supply stand-
alone digital label solutions for near-line finishing, or our partners can provide complete in-line hybrid solutions.”
Jet Technologies distributes Screen technology in Australia and New Zealand.
Xeikon/Flint Group (Booths: 3E55 and 3G55)
Xeikon’s technologies that support both environmental targets and operational efficiency will be on show under the Flint Group banner.
The Xeikon solutions that will be featured at Labelexpo Europe include:
• The Xeikon LX3000: Powered by Xeikon’s Cheetah 3.0 dry toner technology, the LX3000 is designed for converters seeking sustainable, high-performance label production. Featuring the new ECO toners and advanced energy-saving features, this press is the smart choice for short-run and food-safe applications with minimal environmental impact.
• The Xeikon PX3300HD: Setting new standards for UV inkjet with breakthrough resolution, smoother gradients and sharper text. Designed for markets where bold colours and durability matter – think industrial, health, and beauty or beverage – this press combines speed, quality and robustness in one powerful platform.
• The Xeikon TX500 with inline metallisation from Kurz: An industryfirst hybrid solution combining dry toner with metallised effects in a single pass. Perfect for premium wine and spirits labels and other high-end applications, this setup delivers eye-catching embellishments with digital flexibility and zero compromise on food safety.
Marking its first year in Barcelona after four decades in Brussels, Labelexpo Europe 2025 also coincides with Flint Group’s largest-ever presence at the event.
Flint Group CEO Pepyn Dinandt, who will be present at the event, said, “Those visiting our stand can expect so much more than product showcases and machine demonstrations. As a partner to printers, we are prepared to meet, guide, and advise printers on their journey into a more sustainable and profitable future”.
The AccurioLabel 400
The LX3000 powered by Xeikon’s Cheetah 3.0 dry toner technology
Currie Group technology partners to display future-ready products
Labelexpo Europe offers Currie Group’s technology partners with an opportunity to present their latest advancements and cutting-edge solutions
Several of Currie Group’s manufacturing partners will be at Labelexpo Europe, showcasing their latest and greatest innovations. Industry leaders including AB Graphic, HP Indigo, and Omet promise to deliver on speed, productivity, and efficiency.
Here’s what will be on display:
AB Graphic
AB Graphic will unveil its latest innovation in digital finishing at Labelexpo Europe, with the launch of its newest DigiLase –a laser finishing system featuring two laser beams instead of one, thereby doubling the cutting speed and significantly increasing overall production efficiency.
Already sold to a customer in Germany, the DigiLase with dual lasers will be showcased live at the event, offering a glimpse into the future of high-speed, automated digital finishing.
Visitors to AB Graphic’s 484m² stand will see a total of 10 machines in action, including two Digicon Series 3 lines – a 430mm version set up for premium embellishment and a 350 model producing multi-layer labels.
Other highlights will include a 540mm wide converting line with AB Graphic’s ASU, Converter and Vectra AutoSet turret rewinder, the Ti200 RFID inserter and an SRI unit demonstrating slitting, rewinding and inspection with advanced automation.
Also on display will be a Shrink Sleeve Seaming Rewinder, a Booklet Machine with braille inkjet module, and a new DigiLase with integrated automated workflow.
In addition, AB Graphic technology will be featured on the HP stands, including the DigiLite and Digicon Series 3, along with Fast Track and Vectra AutoSet.
HP
HP recently launched the HP Indigo 6K+ Digital Press and will be running live demos of the press at Labelexpo Europe.
The Indigo 6K+ Digital Press is built on the industry-leading HP Indigo 6K Digital Press.
The new HP Indigo 6K+ introduces innovative advancements in AI-powered tools, automation, scalability, and press robustness. Operated by the new SmartControlSystem, which has been designed to improve diagnostics, uptime and press reliability for enhanced robustness, it efficiently manages shortto medium-volume label production with intelligent automation and precision. With the new integrated system, converters can produce more jobs per shift while minimising waste and reducing unplanned maintenance interruptions.
The HP Indigo 6K+ is driven by a suite of automation and AI powered tools, designed to maximise production efficiency. Key solutions include the HP PrintOS Suite, Automatic Alert Agent 2.0 (AAA 2.0), HP Spot Master, and HP Nio. These advancements empower operators with real-time insights, shorter setup, intuitive troubleshooting, and automated colour management.
With a wide substrate range and support for complex applications such as smart labels with brand protection features and data-driven design tools, the HP Indigo 6K+ also empowers converters to diversify into new markets.
Featuring seven ink stations and spot colours, the HP Indigo 6K+ covers up to 97 per cent of the colour gamut and the industry’s broadest range of specialty inks – including Silver ElectroInk, Invisible and Fade-Resistant inks, and a comprehensive White ink portfolio.
Enabling a shorter job setup and execution also means the HP indigo 6K+ reduces media-related CO₂ emissions per job by up to 20 per cent and cuts media waste.
OMET
OMET has confirmed it will feature two printing presses operating on its stand at Labelexpo Europe, including the world premiere of a brand-new machine making its debut at the show.
At the heart of OMET’s presence will be the exclusive preview of a brand-new printing and converting platform, designed to redefine industry standards.
Its unique features will be unveiled for the first time at the show through live demonstrations that highlight its technical innovations, performance, and application potential.
According to OMET, this solution has been developed to meet the evolving needs of the market and provide printers worldwide with new competitive advantages.
Alongside the new launch, a second OMET machine will also be in operation –already well-established for its reliability, versatility, and high-quality performance in shrink sleeve and flexible packaging production.
This press will also be featured in a packed schedule of live demos throughout the exhibition.
AB Graphic, HP Indigo, and OMET are distributed by Currie Group in A/NZ.
AB Graphic’s DigiLase technology
The HP Indigo 6K+ Digital Press
Two OMET machines will be on show at Labelexpo Europe
Packaging reimagined at 2025 Australasian Packaging Conference
This year’s theme, ‘Reimagine Packaging Design’, set the tone for two days of forward-thinking dialogue, with speakers sharing insights, strategies, and innovations
The 2025 Australasian Packaging Conference held biennially and coordinated by the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP), set the bar for a well-organised and highly engaging packaging conference.
The conference was designed to deliver a two-day educational program that covered a broad range of topics relating to the theme ‘Reimagine Packaging Design’. The theme was chosen to create honest and open discussions with packaging professionals within the region.
The industry in Australia and New Zealand has started to review how packaging can meet the founding principles of the 2025 National Packaging Targets but needs to be design-ready and recycleready to meet the incoming Mandated National Packaging Design Standards.
As a result, the Australasian Packaging Conference brought together 92 packaging professionals from across 25 countries to discuss the path forward for the industry and develop a design
roadmap that will help create a circular economy for packaging.
Having served the industry for more than three decades, this two-day event is the only industry-led packaging conference that has been tailored to bring together packaging professionals from across Australia and New Zealand.
The atmosphere was one of optimism, with a shared sense that the industry is moving in the right direction, driven by the right mindsets to enable meaningful change in packaging and the circular economy.
Opening the conference, John Bigley, president of the AIP, set a collaborative tone, saying, “The theme of the conference is ‘Reimagine Packaging Design’. If each one of us in the room goes away with two or three new ideas or approaches, that’s close to 1000 potential actions to improve the packaging world in which we live”.
AIP member Edward Whitehouse said this year’s AIP Australasian Packaging Conference marked a subtle but important
shift – with growing focus on downstream recovery, recycling, traceability, and material identification.
He provided his 10 takeaways from the conference, as outlined below, saying that designing for recovery remained front and centre, but the real challenge lies in how we harmonise efforts: how we define value, carve up waste, and decide what matters most.
1. Global perspective = greater market reach = let’s not reinvent the wheel Global perspectives opened and closed the conference, with Dr. Nicole Garofano from Planet Ark, Pippa Corry from Philo & Co, and Belinda Chellingworth from BC Consulting setting out the global landscape and where we sit in it. They highlighted the need to adopt global best practice from both regulatory, design and recovery perspective.
Rather than reinvent the wheel, we need to take proven systems and adapt them for Australia. Aligning with international standards not only strengthens domestic outcomes – it also ensures our packaging stays ‘trade-compatible’.
Global regulations increasingly require traceability, authentication of origin, end of life outcomes and carbon footprint data. It is clear we have some work to do to keep up!
2. Investment = change
Downstream investment and considerable commercial financial risk have already happened. iQRenew CEO Danial Gallagher said the company has committed millions to bring the best technologies from around the world to build a world class soft plastics sorting and recycling facility.
It’s producing Soft Plastics Engineered Commodity (SPEC) material, meeting PCR demand in both domestic and international markets, and creating real off-take opportunities for downstream manufacturing.
iQRenew has led the way, taken the risk, and delivered – and it wants to do more. But this kind of action must be supported by robust regulation. The Soft Plastic Stewardship Australia co-CEO Barry Cosier said the
AIP executive director Nerida Kelton on stage at the 2025 Australasian Packaging Conference
2025 AUSTRALASIAN PACKAGING CONFERENCE
organisation will help to ensure a realisation of this investment, while at the same time securing further investment in the space.
3. Regulation = investment = change
Harmonised, forward-thinking, purposeful regulation is the unlock. It gives industry the confidence to invest, particularly in innovation – from material development to recycling tech. Clear policy direction reduces uncertainty and enables bold action. Regulation isn’t red tape – it is the runway for smarter, cleaner, and more profitable solutions.
4. Downstream infrastructure (innovation) = No one solution
The path forward isn’t a silver bullet – it’s a smart, connected system. Building downstream infrastructure that can handle a variety of materials and formats is essential.
During a panel discussion, Aaron Rodman from the Soft Plastic Stewardship Australia, Vanessa Lenihan from Viva Energy Australia, and Jeroen Wassenaar from Cleanaway Waste Management outlined viable innovative pathways for industry-first technologies at scale. Versatility is key, as no single solution will solve the problem. But by aligning innovative infrastructure with the right feedstocks, we can build a more effective, resilient recovery and recycling network.
5. Regulation = supports harmonisation
Clear, consistent national regulation is essential. It gives industry the confidence to optimise materials, streamline messaging and invest in circular outcomes. Without harmonisation, confusion reigns, but with it, we unlock progress. Clarity of direction cuts through the current paralysis within the industry and empowers stakeholders to act.
6. Revenue = change Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has set out a pathway for revenue deployment, and while it is a solid first step in the right direction, the consistent theme is that it is not enough to drive the scale and the speed of change we need.
APCO has a tough job balancing the commercial and political pressures of the day – I just hope they take the bold (and brave) step, pushing the limits of what’s possible to unlock real impact.
7. Affirmative action = competitive advantage
When it comes to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and eco-modulation, the framework must reward the right behaviour. At the conference, I sensed some frustration from brand owners and packaging producers – not due to lack of willingness, but lack of meaningful incentives.
If EPR fees are too low, they won’t drive change. The discount for good actors
needs to be big enough to create a true commercial edge over those still choosing virgin materials over recycled content. Other countries are getting this right.
The vibe was clear: brands want to lead, so let’s make it worth their while. Doing the right thing should be a competitive advantage.
8. Reduction = reduces size of the problem
Reducing the physical mass of materials placed on market, reduces the size of the mountain we have to climb. We simply can’t keep up.
Population growth alone adds 1 million tonnes of waste over the next 10 years, assuming the same level of consumption. If the packaging waste problem sits at 7 million tonnes today, that’s a projected 14 per cent increase – outpacing targeted gains in recovery and recycling, especially for plastics.
While removal and reuse matter, reduction is something we can act on now. Yes, infrastructure needs to catch up (and regulation needs to giddy up), but when it comes to packaging: less is best.
9. Material reduction = cost reduction
Reduction isn’t just good for the planet – it should also be good for business. Using less material should reduce costs and increase yield and margin for manufacturers.
Yes, innovation costs money, but if buyers push for what’s possible rather than what’s readily available, the economics can work. Splitting the margin to drive change is a win–win. When reduction delivers commercial value, producers will invest.
10. Compliance = risk mitigation
Data is key to compliance – and compliance reduces business risk. But beyond that, data helps us understand packaging from new angles. By decentralising and reformatting knowledge, we make it accessible to more people across the value chain.
That accelerates change, improves risk management and opens up new opportunities for impact and cost reduction.
This article was co-authored by AIP executive director Nerida Kelton and AIP member Edward Whitehouse.
(l-r) Nerida Kelton (AIP), Alberto Peixeiro (The Arnott’s Group), and Bryan McKay (Woolworths)
(l-r) Prof. Pierre Pienaar (AIP), George Ganzenmuller (Opal Fibre Packaging Australia), Nerida Kelton (AIP), Jason Fields (Sealed Air), and Ralph Moyle (AIP)
(l-r) Zaidee Jackson (Ball & Doggett), Will Killinger (UPM), Kellie Northwood (Visual Media Association), and Craig Brown (Sappi)
(l-r) Dr. Nicole Garofano (Planet Ark), Pippa Corry (Philo & Co), and Belinda Chellingworth (BC Consulting)
BOBST enhances customer experience through innovation
BOBST explores its sustainable VISION CI flexo printing technology and provides insights from a converter that is benefiting from the BOBST innovation
BOBST VISION CI flexo presses are transforming packaging businesses worldwide with their intelligent design, productivity, print quality and user-friendliness.
With its focus on digitalisation, automation, connectivity, and sustainability, BOBST’s vision is driving developments in Central Impression (CI) flexo printing.
Allowing converters to take advantage of growth potential and address challenges, BOBST offers a robust portfolio of CI flexo presses for flexible packaging, including EXPERT CI, VISION CI, and MASTER CI.
The VISION CI and EXPERT CI printing presses feature highly modular concepts and automation that make them stand out in the market. VISION CI is manufactured at Bobst China, bringing the technology closer to Asia-Pacific customers seeking to test these innovations.
These technologies optimise performance for higher productivity with intelligent design, allowing further downstream units to be integrated for special applications.
The result is excellent price-performance value with substrate versatility and superior print quality in a user-friendly, safe platform.
One complete solution
Together with the NOVALAM S 550 solventless laminator, VISION CI and EXPERT CI can be integrated as an element of BOBST’s ‘One Complete Solution’ ecosystem, which is orchestrated through the digital workflow platform BOBST Connect.
One Complete Solution also includes smartGPS for plate mounting and the DIT (Digital Inspection Table) for quality assurance.
“With shorter run lengths and just-in-time delivery demands, our BOBST setup delivers high-quality packaging in just three days. The automation aids operators, speeds production, and reduces setup resources for ink, materials, and energy,” said Junny Kumala, general manager of CPI Flexible Packaging in Indonesia.
Consistent colour and low waste
BOBST CI flexo incorporates industry leading innovations, developed to ensure exceptional colour reproduction and product quality as well as low waste creation. Multiple converters have implemented BOBST oneECG (Extended Color Gamut) technology, which optimises colour matching by printing all colours with a fixed set of inks – CMYK alone or with orange, green, and violet. This eliminates costly spot colours and excessive changeovers while minimising operator involvement and human error.
“We’re seeing faster makereadies and higher productivity because inks stay on the press. Colour consistency is very high across print runs and repeat jobs –crucial for brand owners,” Kumala said.
Optimising press setup and job changes
BOBST smartGPS (Graphic Positioning System) addresses setup bottlenecks, saving time and reducing material usage. Considered a game-changer in prepress, smartGPS plate mounting technology automatically generates registration and impression settings offline during the mounting stage and communicates these to the press digitally or via an RFID chip.
With the smartGPS Graphic Positioning System, BOBST has moved the registration and impression setting process to the plate mounting stage with the ability to set
impression adjustment to 1µm. With the single-pump ink supply system delivering superior ink flow, the combination saves printing time significantly and allows operators to prepare the next job while running the current one.
Through advanced automation, VISION CI not only reduces operator workload but also significantly minimises material consumption. During job changes, it consumes only 10-12m of material, effectively reducing waste. The press also boasts exceptional job change efficiency, requiring only 10-15 minutes to switch from one job to another, greatly shortening production cycles.
Advanced design and features
BOBST addresses bounce in wide-web CI flexo presses through advanced design elements that eliminate machine vibrations. The press’ advanced drive control ensures precise registration, delivering high-quality prints that meet exact specifications while reducing adjustment time and costs.
Whether for long- or short-run jobs, VISION CI provides a stable and reliable production solution, helping businesses enhance their competitiveness.
Print & Pack Australia is the authorised reseller of BOBST in Australia and New Zealand. https://www.printandpack.com.au/ info.au@printandpack.com.au.
BOBST delivers on its vision for future flexo success with the VISION CI flexo presses
Opal addresses trends shaping the packaging industry in 2025
As a leading recycling, paper, and cardboard packaging business, Opal outlines its view on the emerging trends transforming the packaging industry
As packaging continues to evolve, sustainability, efficiency, and customer experience are at the forefront of this year’s trends. Businesses are seeking recyclable materials, durable packaging designs, and engaging unboxing experiences.
The need for more recycled content in cardboard packaging
National Packaging Targets, company sustainability goals, and an increase in consumer interest are driving the demand for more recycled content in packaging.
Opal’s partnership with John Dee, a leading Australian meat processor, demonstrates how recycled paper and recyclability can be integrated into high-performance packaging:
• John Dee’s chilled meat boxes now contain 73 per cent recycled content, up from 48 per cent
• The recyclable bases of frozen meat boxes have increased from 35 per cent to 66 per cent
• The recyclable lids of frozen meat boxes have risen from 37 per cent to 69 per cent
By leveraging its Dura-Flute Mediums and Premium Recycled Liner, Opal developed a solution that maintains strength and durability, even in highhumidity conditions. This ensures John Dee meets its sustainability goals without compromising on performance.
Bringing the ‘wow factor’ to every unboxing experience
Packaging is no longer just about protection – it offers the opportunity to bring a brand’s personality to life and create an impactful unboxing experience for consumers.
Brands are looking to create packaging that is functional, visually engaging, and features unique design elements including:
• Thoughtful structural design that ensures packaging is easy to open while protecting the product inside
• High-quality printing and die-cutting
that showcases colour and adds tactile depth to packaging, delivering a premium feel
• Using materials that are recycled and recyclable, with certifications that demonstrate cardboard products are manufactured with responsibly sourced wood fibre.
Minimalist yet high impact –streamlining e-Commerce packaging
The rise of e-Commerce is driving demand for packaging that is simple to assemble with minimal assembling steps, strong enough for transit, and efficient for logistics operations.
Brands are prioritising solutions that are:
• Easy-to-assemble while reducing the number of steps in the fulfilment process
• Made of strong and durable materials that protect products during shipping
• Optimised shipper designs that reduce excess materials, help improve sustainability and increases cost-effectiveness within the packaging supply chain
Opal is developing easy-fold mailers and robust shipper solutions that support costeffective fulfilment while reducing material use. By integrating recyclable materials into packaging solutions, Opal supports businesses with their sustainability targets.
When the co-founders of Bronte Body came to Opal, their brief was, “make it beautiful, make it recyclable”.
Collaborating with Bronte Body, Opal developed e-Commerce mailers that wove elements of luxury and minimalist design.
Delivering cardboard alternatives to expanded polystyrene
Consumers are driving changes in the packaging industry by moving away from plastics. Fresh food producers and FMCG brands that rely on cold storage are now expected to provide packaging that includes recycled materials and can be recycled when it can no longer be used.
This presents a challenge for fresh food producers who rely on the thermal capabilities of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) to keep their produce fresher for longer. For example, EPS is a common solution, but it is difficult to recycle within kerbside recycling systems.
Opal solved this problem for Petuna Seafoods by developing a corrugated cardboard alternative to its whole fish packaging solution. The design features moisture barrier properties that withstand low temperatures for fresh chilled products, and a functional coating allowing imagery to be laid down onto kraft paper.
From increasing the use of recycled materials to optimising packaging for e-Commerce, Opal’s commitment to sustainability, performance, and design ensures businesses can continue to meet evolving consumer demands.
This is an excerpt from Opal’s blog.
Opal created a corrugated cardboard alternative for Petuna Seafoods, for its whole fish packaging
Collaborating with Bronte Body, Opal developed eCommerce mailers that wove elements of luxury and minimalist design
Opal’s partnership with John Dee demonstrates how recycled paper and recyclability can be integrated into highperformance packaging
It takes a village to sell a business
Mattingly’s Peter Fotiadis examines why selling a business isn’t just a financial event – it’s a full-contact sport in stakeholder management
It’s the hidden dealbreaker: If you don’t manage the key stakeholders well in a business sale, it could be the end of your deal.
As I pen this article, I’ve taken a brief pause from my lead role in a major transaction Mattingly is deeply involved in. This moment of quiet has me reflecting on my day, my week, well… months, if I’m honest.
The number of times my phone rings, a text pings, or an email… er… dings(?), is relentless. The volume is matched only by the sheer variety of people (that’s ‘stakeholders’ to us consultant folk – and just ‘people’ to everyone else) who need to speak to me, or I to them, about a deal.
Each one wants something slightly different – an answer, a document, a reassurance, sharing important findings, or sometimes, just a sounding board. It’s a reminder that selling a business isn’t just a financial event – it’s a full-contact sport in stakeholder management.
Understanding who these stakeholders are and how to proactively engage with them is critical to a smooth and successful sale.
So here it is. Meet the VIPs of your business sale – and no, it’s not just the buyer and seller:
1. Owners, shareholders, and the board
A little obvious to start with, but they’re the ones who give the green light and want to know the value is real, the integration plan and structure is sound, and the timing makes sense.
Tip: Keep them focused on outcomes, not noise. A clear summary pack and early visibility go a long way.
2. Executive team and employees
They’ll keep the business humming while the deal’s going through, or panic and jump if left in the dark for too long. But you can’t bring everyone into the loop; maybe a competitor on the other side of the transaction, and the long, uncertain process means you must pick carefully. Plus, some won’t handle the waiting or stress if the deal drags or falls through.
Tip: Identify key people early, bring them into the conversation under
strict confidentiality, and communicate honestly but carefully. Arm them with the right narrative to help answer rumours and manage the wider team.
3. Customers and suppliers
These relationships are the lifeblood of the business; but too much change too fast can spook them.
Tip: Have a tailored communications plan for your top five to 10 customers and suppliers, and a wider narrative ready to go for the rest. Put yourself in their shoes – why could this deal bring value to them? Pre-empt their questions and time your communication carefully.
4. Advisors, lawyers, and accountants
Pay them lots of money (just kidding)! They know the process and will guide you through expertly. They turn ideas into terms, numbers into statements, and risks into solutions. Make sure you appoint an experienced team that gets your business and matches up well with your executives and board.
Tip: You know your business, so keep the scope tight. Don’t just delegate –stay close, keep decisions moving, and make sure your advisors are aligned and commercial.
5. Banks and financiers
Banks aren’t just about lending money; they have detailed processes: their own due diligence, credit approvals, bank and director guarantees, plus potentially novating
bank accounts, payment approvals, credit cards, and other products. It’s a whole operation. Engage them early, get their commitment early, and keep them in the loop to avoid last-minute surprises that can derail your timeline.
Tip: Get ahead of any consents, repayments, or refinancing. If they’re funding the buyer, ask early if the money’s real. Buyers – get your banks aboard before you start the transaction process.
6. Regulators
ASIC, FIRB, ACCC, ASX, ATO. Guess what? They don’t care about your timeline or your enthusiasm. They care about the rules.
Tip: Know what filings or approvals apply and bake in the lead time. You are not the only deal in town and these approvals can take time. Where appropriate, proactively engage, prepare a comprehensive brief, and find a known point of contact to engage with.
7. Don’t forget the others!
My apologies to the rest of my wonderful business community. I promise this is not in order of merit, but…
Insurers need early review for coverage continuity; IT providers need to transition systems, data and hardware, or separate (and, wow, can this one be BIG); landlords often require lease consents; unions may need formal consultation; and valuers or experts should be engaged early to avoid last-minute delays.
So, if you’re about to sell your business, remember… it takes more than just a great offer and a signed contract. It takes a village –preferably one that’s well-fed, well-informed, and full of well-managed stakeholders!
Peter Fotiadis is a co-founder and partner at Mattingly, an industry expert supporting businesses with strategy through to execution: strategy and growth, deals and integration, and transformation and execution.
There are multiple stakeholders to manage for a smooth and successful sale
Enterprise workflows
Native PDF editors
Color management
3D prototyping & visualization
High-speed RIPs and DFEs
Printheads electronics
Rethinking the CRS: Building a circular economy that works
As New Zealand considers a national Container Return Scheme (CRS), it’s time
to ask if we are we solving the right problem?
As the New Zealand Government considers plans to implement a national Container Return Scheme (CRS), it’s time to pause and ask some fundamental questions: What problem are we trying to solve? Is this about reducing litter, or are we truly committed to building a local circular economy that works for Aotearoa?
At Pact, we support the intent behind the CRS. We’ve seen firsthand how such schemes can have a positive impact in Australia. We operate two of the largest PET recycling plants in Australia, which can collectively recycle around 2 billion PET beverage bottles a year.
That’s most of the plastic beverage bottles collected through the state-run scheme. The success of a CRS depends not just on its intent and the amount of material collected, but on its design, execution, and integration into the broader waste and recycling ecosystem.
Beyond litter: The bigger picture
If the CRS is intended as a litter-reduction initiative encouraging people to take their empty cans and bottles back to collect a refund, we risk missing the forest for the trees. Litter is a symptom, not the root cause, and needs a strategic response.
The real opportunity lies in creating a system that retains valuable materials within New Zealand, reprocesses them locally, and feeds them back into our manufacturing supply chains.
Unfortunately, the current proposals raise more questions than answers. Are we collecting containers only to ship them offshore for processing? Or are we investing in the infrastructure needed to recycle these materials here, to the highest possible standard? Without clarity on this, we risk undermining the very sustainability goals the CRS is meant to support.
Having the right infrastructure, investment, and integration
A CRS cannot exist in isolation. It must be aligned with other stewardship schemes,
kerbside collection systems, and the broader product stewardship for all packaging. Fragmentation will only lead to inefficiencies, increased costs, and confusion for consumers and industry alike.
The International Extended Producer Responsibility Alliance (EXPR) draws on its members’ 30 years of experience to recommend harmonisation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and CRS systems to prevent duplication of collection networks. This is particularly relevant for New Zealand, with its population of 5 million across a geography the size of the UK.
And why limit our thinking to any one stream of containers as is the case in the proposed CRS scheme? We should draw from other learnings when making an approach to collection and recycling and investigate the use of technologies from non-waste industries to improve our circular economy.
For example, using 3D QR codes to help consumers understand which products can be recycled, or broadening the scheme to incentivise the collection of more than just drink containers.
To manage material flows, international best practice shows that the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) responsible for the scheme should own the materials collected. This way, the PRO can channel the material in the best way to ensure development of local infrastructure and improve the retention and reuse of local material over time.
There needs to be an understanding of the commercial reality of assets needed
to collect, process, and then utilise the local materials.
There is a challenge to investing in local recycling infrastructure where there is uncertainty of the waste roadmap for New Zealand and a high-cost barrier to invest. For those in the recycling industry, commercial realities can be stark. Introducing eco-modulated fees would encourage the use of locally recycled content and help to build New Zealand’s circular economy.
The private sector also needs access to co-investment through centralised funding to ensure there is enough investment in infrastructure to create a viable local circular economy.
If we’re serious about circularity, we need to co-invest in scalable, local solutions that close the loop onshore. Recovery of materials is one step in the solution to minimising litter; we need to ensure that we do not create unintended consequences by making a solve for one issue without ensuring that the end solution is in place.
A closed loop local circular economy should be the shining aim, which includes collection, recycling, and remanufacturing onshore. This has the benefits of reducing litter, emissions, improving local sustainability and creating jobs.
A poorly designed CRS could have unintended consequences: duplication of logistics, underutilised local infrastructure, and disruption to existing kerbside systems that are already optimised for certain material streams. Worse, it could erode public trust in recycling altogether.
We urge the government to take a holistic, systems-based approach. Engage with industry. Leverage the expertise of those who’ve operated in this space for years. And above all, ensure that any scheme introduced is fit-for-purpose for New Zealand – not just a copy-paste of overseas models.
By Deanne Holdsworth, executive general manager, Pact Packaging New Zealand
A closed loop circular economy locally should be the shining aim
UPCOMING INDUSTRY EVENTS
Foodtech Packtech 2025 September 2-4, 2025 Auckland, New Zealand foodtechpacktech.co.nz
Labelexpo Europe 2025 September 16-19, 2025 Barcelona, Spain labelexpo-europe.com
Pack Print International September 17-20, 2025 Bangkok, Thailand pack-print.de
Japan Pack 2025 October 7-10, 2025 Tokyo, Japan japanpack.jp/en
ProPack Packaging Forum
October 17, 2025
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ProPrint Awards
October 17, 2025
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FESPA Australia Annual Conference October 17, 2025
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