Xeikon backs cheetah survival efforts

Xeikon has signed up as a sponsor Belgium’s Planckendael Zoo and the Centre for Research and Conservation (CRC) in support of efforts to ensure that cheetahs around the globe both survive and thrive.

Xeikon has signed up as a sponsor Belgium’s Planckendael Zoo and the Centre for Research and Conservation (CRC) in support of efforts to ensure that cheetahs around the globe both survive and thrive

Xeikon has signed up as a sponsor Belgium’s Planckendael Zoo and the Centre for Research and Conservation (CRC) in support of efforts to ensure that cheetahs around the globe both survive and thrive.

Under the auspices of the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp (KMDA), the parent company of the Planckendael Zoo, Antwerp Zoo and CRC, the latter helps manage international breeding programs for cheetahs, making special efforts to ensure the survival of the species in natural habitats. In addition, CRC conducts a significant amount of research beyond the breeding programs to contribute to the sustainability and welfare of a wide variety of animals in zoos and in the wild.

Planckendael Zoo is home to one cheetah, now sponsored by Xeikon.

There are only about 25,000 remaining cheetahs in the world, and Xeikon said its sponsorship will help ensure that the number of cheetahs worldwide continues to grow and that their habitats, whether in the wild or in captivity, are protected.

Xeikon launched Cheetah, its newest press platform, at Labelexpo Americas 2014, with pilot sites now preparing to begin testing the press in real-world production environments. This includes CS Labels and Mercian Labels in the UK.

Patrick Van Baelen, vice president of worldwide marketing at Xeikon, said: ‘With the (upcoming) release of our Cheetah digital press and our Year of the Cheetah campaign, this sponsorship provided an excellent opportunity to not only give additional visibility to the fastest digital press in its class, but to do so while benefiting the world population of cheetahs, the fastest animal in its class.

‘As a company, we are focused on delivering environmentally friendly solutions to the printing and packaging industries. We are pleased to support the Planckendael Zoo and CRC as they work to accomplish their objectives of social engagement, respect for nature, innovation and research.

‘Like CRC, an award-winning renowned research institute whose experts are often speaking on the world stage, Xeikon is a market leader with significant investments in both innovation and environmental sustainability.’

‘We are pleased to be working with Xeikon on this important initiative,’ said Anja Stas, commercial director of KMDA. ‘We strive to bring people closer to nature and animals, and one way to do so is through partnerships like this, which help support our worldwide breeding and preservation programs, preventing the extermination of many important animal species.

‘Without the generous support of companies like Xeikon, our task would be exponentially more difficult. We are also pleased that as part of this programme, employees, partners and even customers of Xeikon will also have the opportunity to become engaged with preserving the quality of life of cheetahs worldwide.’