Uteco, Kodak target new opportunities in digital flexible packaging printing

Uteco Converting has signed an agreement with Kodak to purchase its latest inkjet printing systems featuring Ultrastream technology.

Uteco, Kodak target new opportunities in digital flexible packaging printing

Built on its Stream inkjet technology, Ultrastream has been designed to ‘move production inkjet into the mainstream of commercial printing and packaging’, according to Kodak. It features a smaller drop size and precise placement accuracy for higher resolution, clean lines and additional detailed definition. Ultrastream allows 600 x 1800 dpi resolution with production speeds of up to 150m/min. It uses water-based inks to print on both plastics and paper.

Kodak Ultrastream first debuted as a conceptual demonstration at drupa 2016 with development plans for availability to OEM partners in 2019.  Ultrastream and Stream coexist in the market to offer different platform options, addressing the needs of each application.

Uteco first introduced the Stream-powered Sapphire Evo in June 2018 as a production inkjet printing option using water-based inks at high speeds. It will now be among the first equipment manufacturers to utilize Kodak Ultrastream to expand its high productivity digital press portfolio for flexible packaging in 2020.

Uteco Group CEO Aldo Peretti said: ‘Our customers are looking for sustainably advantaged hybrid digital production solutions to enable short run versioning with compelling economics. Utilizing the combination of traditional flexo and gravure, along with digital inkjet technologies, these solutions optimize film handling, priming, post-coating and drying to deliver the performance requirements for the packaging market. Kodak’s proprietary continuous inkjet system continues to be technology of choice which delivers great quality, productivity and running cost for these industry-leading packaging solutions.’

Randy Vandagriff, president of the Enterprise Inkjet Systems division at Kodak, added: ‘We are pleased that Uteco continues to partner with Kodak as we develop solutions for the packaging market. 

‘The unique benefits offered by the Sapphire Evo will showcase how Kodak Stream inkjet technology is addressing the use of digital printing for flexible packaging solutions.  As we look ahead to drupa 2020 and beyond, we are excited that Uteco will be including Ultrastream technology based solutions in its product portfolio to deliver even more flexible packaging options for both converters and brands. Uteco’s proactive approach to driving change in the package printing market reflects the requirement for unique solutions around the world.’