UK flexo converter reports success with Kodak Flexcel NX system

Ultimate Packaging, a UK-based flexographic print supplier to the food industry, is reportedly achieving ‘significant success’ in the packaging sector using the Kodak Flexcel NX digital flexographic system. The company recently won the Gold award at the European Flexographic Technical Association (EFTA) awards for ‘Best First Time Entrant’ for a project undertaken for Young’s Seafood and a Silver accolade for ‘Promotional Print’ for Kodak USA.   

Ultimate Packaging has spent the past twelve months working closely with Kodak to develop, test and integrate the Flexcel NX system into their systems and production lines. Chris Tonge, sales and marketing director, said: ‘Currently around 70 percent of our output is for the fresh produce industry. This means we are working in an arena of competitive design, immediate decisions and extremely tight deadlines. We have developed a range of Ulti-Fresh films, designed to increase the shelf-life of fresh produce. 

‘With Kodak’s innovative technology, we are committed to converting brand owners away from the traditional gravure process by demonstrating the ability to produce cost effective, amazing photographic print and multiple designs with flexography using the Flexcel NX system. We’ve already introduced our first commercial range of 30 designs for one of our existing branded customers. Designed specifically with flexible packaging in mind, Kodak Digicap NX screening takes Flexcel NX digital flexographic plates to a new level. Additionally we have developed a brand new ink system. Kodak’s clever technology has helped to make huge ink efficiencies possible and also expanded the color gamut. 

‘We are driving increased revenues through differentiated print, reducing costs through production efficiencies and increasing sustainability through reduction in printed substrate waste. With Flexcel NX plates, Ultimate Packaging can enable brand owners to finally achieve the print quality and consistency of rotogravure with all the convenience and flexibility of flexography.’ 

Located on the outskirts of Grimsby in the UK, Ultimate Packaging’s 60,000 square foot factory was designed and built with consultancy from leading supermarket chains, retailers and food manufacturers and in cooperation with experts in industrial hygiene, environmental management, quality assurance and production efficiency. 

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