Qualvis Print & Packaging makes digital packaging investment

The workflow investment, totalling over two million GBP (2.5 million USD), features a Xerox iGen 4 sheet-fed digital printer, side-by-side with an iGen 5 automated line. The 5-color iGen 5 – CMYK with an additional fifth station of orange, blue or green – enables a larger gamut of Pantone colors to be matched, while delivering 2400 x 2400 dpi resolution. Both presses include in-line Tresu Pinta coating units and a Kama DC 76 cut and crease line, offering the same finishing effects and varnish levels as Qualvis’ larger format litho print process.

The digital presses can print and produce up to 610 microns and up to a maximum sheet size of 364 x 660mm, making the workflow a great solution for short run work and providing Qualvis’ customers with the opportunity of variable personalised printing, prototyping and market testing with the added advantage of quick turnaround. And with print on-demand, low origination costs and no minimum order quantities, waste is significantly reduced, as are storage costs. 

Qualvis’ managing director, Jason Short, said: ‘We spent 18 months researching the best match for our needs and the two Xerox digital presses are ideal. As a leading print and packaging business we are seeing diminishing run lengths and increasing demand for innovation from our customers, including personalization and localisation. Brands and retailers are looking for variety and having the ability to produce quick-to-market packaging is essential.’

Qualvis already provides software, e-commerce and technology solutions to complement digital packaging production, as well as the personalised fulfilment of cartons with product. Part of this offering includes video integration technology, allowing brands and retailers to engage their customers via the packaged product and to conduct marketing campaigns based on subsequent data capture.

Both digital packaging lines were supplied by Advanced Business Equipment, who project managed the entire build and installation in less than ten weeks.

Qualvis' latest investment follows the announcement last year of the purchase of a KBA Rapida 106 7-color press. Due to be installed at their site in March, the plinth-mounted seven-color press with twin coaters complements the firm’s existing litho line-up and is set to expand their overall finishing options and product portfolio.

Qualvis are exhibiting on stand G45 at Packaging Innovations at the NEC, Birmingham on 1-2 March.