Finnish packaging printer increases digital workflow automation

Finnish packaging printer Jaakkoo-Taara has optimized and automated its workflow processes for the production of digitally printed labels and folding cartons with the integration of Xeikon and Esko technologies.

Finnish packaging printer Jaakkoo-Taara has optimized and automated its workflow processes for the production of digitally printed labels and folding cartons with the integration of Xeikon and Esko technologies

The recently implemented customized workflow is designed to provide Jaakkoo-Taara advantages in time savings, variable data capability, increased accuracy, color optimization and smaller print runs.

Jaakkoo-Taara is a packaging printing specialist serving customers in the pharmaceutical, healthcare and food industries. The company added digital to its offering earlier this year with investment in Xeikon’s Folding Carton Suite featuring a Xeikon 3500 digital press.

Thomas Brusila, managing director of Jaakkoo-Taara, commented: ‘Advanced color conversion and consistency with a fifth color in combination with CMYK was an important driver to decide to work with Xeikon, just as the ability to be compliant with FDA food regulations. We see growing customer demand for packaging applications in the area which we can now easily answer.’

Keen to take workflow automation a step further, Jaakkoo-Taara recently engaged with the Xeikon Solutions & Premium Services team for the development of a customized system that integrates the Xeikon X-800 DFE and Esko Automation Engine with the Xeikon 3500.

Consistent print quality and easy printing of variable data jobs are two important advantages claimed of the customized workflow system enabled by Xeikon and Esko. Print job parameters, such as number of units, substrate, production details and color management, link the initial design to final print production in a highly automated way. Cost control and productivity optimization with the capability to pre-set repetitive tasks and make automated decisions within the workflow are also gainful features for Jaakkoo-Taara. As is production optimization such as combining print jobs with similar substrates, and the ability to reproduce a specific color with high quality throughput.

Brusila concluded: ‘We are certain our customers, especially those with in an interest in market testing, will benefit from our highly automated workflow. It allows to efficiently and easily print smaller runs and include variable data. And customers with straightforward print jobs can take advantage of the increased order automation and faster turnaround, which also opens new business opportunities for Jaakkoo-Taara.’