Heidelberg introduces VLF folding carton sheet-fed offset press

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen has added the Cartonmaster CX 145 in format class 6 to its portfolio, with a specific focus on long-run folding carton printing for food, beverage and consumer packaging.

The company said the packaging sector has been growing strongly for over a decade, and this trend continues. The above-average annual growth applies to long-run folding carton printing for food, beverage, and consumer packaging, with format class 6 sheet-fed offset presses playing a key role.

‘Our new Cartonmaster CX 145 makes Heidelberg a full-range provider for folding carton printing,’ says the company’s chief technology and sales officer, Dr David Schmedding. ‘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 Cartonmaster CX 145 is based on the Roland Evolution 900 from manroland sheet-fed, which Heidelberg is incorporating into its digital ecosystem. The press can be integrated into the Prinect workflow and the workflow of third-party suppliers. Customers can access performance data for their press in the Heidelberg Customer Portal.

Heidelberg is immediately offering the new press for order. The first customer installation of a Cartonmaster CX 145 is planned for 2026, and a global rollout will follow. Heidelberg expects the biggest demand from North America, Europe, and China.

‘Adding the Cartonmaster CX 145 to our portfolio is further proof of our credentials as a system integrator for the end-to-end production of folding cartons,’ said Jürgen Otto, CEO of Heidelberg. ‘Thanks to our excellent position in the folding carton segment, this new press, too, is expected to be highly popular with customers and generate increasing sales.’

By launching the new Cartonmaster CX 145, Heidelberg is plugging 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.