Fachpack 2024:
Key Takeaways on the Future of Packaging

Hey everyone, it’s Zoltan Matyas here, Sales Director and Business Division Leader for Katun DPS™ in Europe, sharing my experience and insights from Fachpack 2024 in Nürnberg, Germany. For those who don’t know, Fachpack is one of the leading trade shows for packaging, and this year was packed with innovation. With over 1,455 exhibitors and more than 37,000 visitors, it was a whirlwind three days filled with the latest trends, new technologies, and a look into the future of packaging.

From my perspective, two major trends dominated the event: sustainability and digital transformation. These trends are not just shaping the packaging industry; they’re also guiding the direction of Katun DPS™. So, let me walk you through my takeaways from Fachpack, from what’s happening in digital label printers and label finishing to the growing importance of flexible packaging and digital packaging solutions.

Sustainability at the Core: Water-Based Inks and Biodegradable Packaging

At Fachpack, sustainability was everywhere, and for good reason. Companies are increasingly looking for eco-friendly packaging options, and I was proud to have interesting conversations about our water-based digital inks and biodegradable packaging solutions. There’s a growing demand for sustainable alternatives, and at Katun DPS™, we’re positioned right at the forefront of this movement.

Our new ArrowJet digital label printer line is generating serious interest, particularly in Europe, where food packaging producers are demanding more sustainable and environmentally friendly printing options. Why does this matter? Water-based inks, significantly lower energy consumption, reduce environmental footprints, and meet rigorous food safety regulations. It’s a win-win for both the planet and businesses looking to streamline costs while staying compliant.

The transition toward water-based inks in digital and industrial printing levels has finally reached a tipping point. While quality, speed, substrate compatibility and drying speed posed challenges in the past, we've now overcome them.

Our advanced printing systems, operating at an impressive resolution of 1600x1600 dpi and capable of achieving speeds of up to 60 meters per minute, utilize innovative water-based inks that not only match but often surpass the speed and quality of large-scale industrial solutions.

These systems are engineered to dry more rapidly, a crucial factor in high-volume high-speed production, which significantly minimizes downtime and enhances overall efficiency. Additionally, they provide superior adhesion across an extensive range of materials, from traditional paper stocks to modern synthetics, ensuring high-quality outcomes for diverse packaging needs.

This makes them exceptionally well-suited for manufacturers who are keen on boosting their operational flexibility, increasing productivity, and advancing their sustainability initiatives. By integrating these systems, companies can seamlessly transition towards more eco-friendly practices while maintaining, or even elevating, the quality and efficiency of their production processes.

Technological Advancements: The Digital Transformation of Packaging

Now, let’s talk about the role of digital technology in label and flexible packaging printing. Digital printing has progressed to a point where it's no longer just an alternative to traditional analog methods—it's often the superior choice. With the rise of short-run production, personalization, variable data and tighter deadlines, digital packaging solutions are quickly becoming a necessity for companies looking to remain competitive.

"Digital printing solutions in label and packaging production
are no longer a "nice-to-have" but a necessity."

Our ArrowJet digital label printer series is designed to meet these demands head-on. Whether it’s variable data printing, short-run production, or custom designs, digital label printing technology is making packaging more efficient, flexible, and sustainable. At Fachpack, it was clear that digital technology is at the heart of the packaging revolution. It’s versatile, cost-effective, and with lower waste and energy consumption, it ticks all the boxes for businesses looking to streamline operations and reduce their carbon footprint.

Another area where digital technology is making waves is label finishing. In this realm, the introduction of cutting-edge digital label finishing equipment (Multi-blade or Laser technology, available here) has revolutionized the process. Businesses now have the remarkable ability to complete the entire label production cycle in-house, eliminating the need for outsourcing and thus dramatically reducing lead times.

This in-house capability not only slashes costs by cutting down on external service expenses but also enhances operational efficiency, enabling businesses to respond to market fluctuations and customer demands with unprecedented speed and flexibility.

By embracing these advancements, companies can swiftly adapt their production processes, offering customized solutions that meet specific client needs while maintaining high standards of quality and precision. This agility is crucial in today's fast-paced market, where the ability to pivot and deliver quickly can set businesses apart from their competitors.

Memorable Interactions and Strategic Conversations

One of the highlights of Fachpack 2024 was the opportunity to meet potential clients and partners face-to-face. A conversation that stood out was with a group of food packaging producers. They were particularly interested in how our ArrowJet digital label printers could help them achieve their sustainability goals without sacrificing quality or cost efficiency. They are printing on new innovative materials and wanted to know about print durability, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with food safety standards, which are all areas where our water-based digital printing solutions excel.

I also had meaningful discussions with potential strategic partners in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). We are exploring collaborations with business accelerators that could help us expand our reach, particularly in digital label printing for both the food sector and the beverage sector. While these conversations are ongoing, I’m optimistic about the possibilities. The next step with these prospects involves deeper engagement through personal visits, video conferences, and sharing case studies. We’ll also provide sample prints and cost analysis reports to showcase exactly how our solutions, like the ArrowJet series, can help them meet their goals.

Transition in Packaging: A Broader Perspective on Sustainability

The theme of Fachpack 2024, "Transition in Packaging," really captured the pulse of where the industry is headed. Sustainability and the circular economy were major talking points, and I believe we’re at a crucial point of transition in packaging, particularly in flexible packaging. The innovation isn’t just happening in printing technology but also in the materials themselves.

Flexible packaging is becoming increasingly popular due to its lightweight nature, versatility, and capacity to extend the shelf life of products, which in turn reduces food waste. With the shift toward mono-materials, which are single-material structures that enhance recyclability and facilitate easier waste management, the demand for water-based digital ink solutions is growing significantly.

Water Based inks are designed to be safer for both the environment and human health as they contain fewer volatile organic compounds compared to their solvent-based counterparts. Furthermore, water-based inks are easier to de-ink during the recycling process, thereby increasing the quality of recycled materials. Their compatibility with sustainable materials aligns with the growing consumer and regulatory demand for eco-friendly packaging options. This comprehensive approach ensures that every stage, from material selection to printing and disposal, contributes to a more sustainable lifecycle.

At Katun DPS™, we are already seeing how our ArrowJet series of digital label printers and biodegradable packaging solutions are enabling businesses to make this transition. It’s an exciting time for the packaging industry, and we’re proud to lead the way with solutions that deliver on both performance and sustainability.

Looking Ahead: Next Steps for Katun DPS™

So, what’s next after Fachpack 2024? We’re already working hard on expanding our product range together with our exclusive partner Arrow Systems Inc. and introducing even more innovative solutions to the market. Over the next few months, we’ll be launching new digital label printers and label finishing solutions that are designed to meet the evolving needs of businesses as they transition to more sustainable and efficient practices.

We’re also in the process of finalizing strategic partnerships that will bring us even closer to our customers, allowing us to tailor our solutions to their specific needs with greater precision and effectiveness. Through these collaborations, we aim to enhance our understanding of the unique challenges and demands faced by businesses across various industries, ensuring that our offerings are not only relevant but also highly impactful.

These partnerships will play a key role in driving our growth in the DACH and other regions by enabling us to expand our reach and improve our service delivery. We expect these alliances to enhance co-creation and knowledge sharing, solidifying our role as a trusted digital printing partner and reinforcing our commitment to sustainable, mutually beneficial relationships.

For those of you who missed us at Fachpack, don’t worry! There’s plenty more to come. We are passionate about driving innovation in the digital packaging industry, and we’re here to help businesses make the shift towards more sustainable, cost-effective solutions. Fachpack 2024 was a clear reminder that the future of packaging is both sustainable and digital, and we take pride in being at the forefront of these changes. We are excited about what the future holds, so let’s connect and explore how our ArrowJet digital label printers and label finishers can transform your packaging process.

Let’s work together to drive this transformation
and create a more sustainable future—
one package at a time. 😊