Rock-Tenn and dotrix announce strategic inkjet partnership

Rock-Tenn Company and dotrix NV have announced a strategic partnership which will lead to the creation of a high-speed, wide-web, digital inkjet solution in North America. Under the partnership agreement, Rock-Tenn has not only agreed to purchase dotrix's .factory equipment, but will work with dotrix to help define inkjet technology developments for the packaging and display industries.

’Rock-Tenn has played an active role in defining the specifications and requirements for the North American market,’ commented dotrix CEO Rob Haak. ‘Rock-Tenn’s knowledge and vision of packaging and display markets' needs makes them a perfect partner for us to develop fully integrated, dedicated digital printing solutions based on dotrix’s advanced inkjet technology.’

Rock-Tenn believes that this technology has commercial applications across a number of its business units. ‘Acquiring the.factory technology will provide consumer products companies the flexibility to customize in-store advertising by region or by retailer at an affordable price and a short lead time. This equipment will deliver short runs or long runs that require variable copy or graphics,’ remarked Jim Einstein, EVP of Rock-Tenn’s Alliance Division that specializes in point-of-purchase display and promotional packaging solutions. Nick George, EVP of the Folding Carton Division added, ‘Most digital printing technologies have had trouble handling our thicker paperboard substrates. The unique, non-contact printing technology of the.factory addresses this concern.’

Rock-Tenn says the.factory solution will support 'short-run, production-quality, digital printing that is vital for variable data, versioning, beta tests and comprehensive mock-ups.’

Dotrix’s Spice inkjet engine is used in the Mark Andy DT2200 hybrid conventional/digital press, which will be launched in Europe at Labelexpo in September.