Package print niche

The answer is clearly ‘yes’, but with reservations.

The press must be properly specified. Choose a modern in-line label press designed to handle a range of substrates. The use of servo drives allows converters to compensate for the elongation of thin packaging films by variable and pre-settable tension control and infinite control of plate and impression cylinder rotation.

Temperature control is key if you are looking at filmic flexible packaging substrates, so cool running UV lamps and chill rollers are required. A low migration ink regime is required for food contact packaging materials, and this also means a tough cleaning regime for all press parts. Slitter rewinders must be specified for filmic rolls in terms of tension control.

For carton board products, the weight of the reels needs to be considered and also handling the rolls on and off the press. New ink systems need to be researched which will not dive into semi-porous substrates. Finally – can you market these products? You already have the perfect research tool – your existing label customers. With more and more buyers seeking one stop shops, there has never been a better time to ask.