Chinese flexo specialist looks to Labelexpo Europe

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Minhang District, Shanghai, Shanghai Spande is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the R&D, production and sales of printing equipment and intelligent factory systems. The company’s goal has been to become a world-class brand in the field of automated flexographic printing.

Innovation

Since 2010, Spande has been the China representative of Swiss packaging decoration specialist Pantec. In this role CEO and chairman Ye Keqin focused strongly on high speed web-fed post-processing of tobacco packaging, including hot foiling, embossing, die-cutting as well as application of holograms and security elements. Pantec claims more than a 90 percent market share in this sector today.

In 2015, Spande started researching automation of flexo technology. After four years of intensive research and development, the S7 series was launched in 2019. The S7 integrates a range of automation technologies including dynamic print pressure adjustment, an AI-driven visual registration system and electronic pressure-setting of the die-cutting unit.

Keqin says that these intelligent process controls saved 60 percent in machine setup times compared to manual flexo presses, and increased printing plate lifetime by 30 percent by correct management of print pressure.

The S7 series won the Innovation Award at the first China Label Industry Awards ceremony held at Labelexpo Asia.

After more than five years on the market the S7 series has evolved to its fifth generation and been extended to a maximum printing width of 670mm. The press has found application across multiple fields including labels, flexible packaging, tobacco packaging and other specialist packaging materials. ‘The S7 series flexographic printing machines
have become the first choice for domestic high-end label customers,’ says Keqin.

In response to a growing market demand for wider-web in-line flexo presses, Spande next launched the AC series of mid-web flexo press lines, available in widths of 700, 800 and 900mm (27.5, 31 and 35in). The AC series presses have a maximum repeat length of 32 inches and maximum printing speed of 250m/min (830ft/min) with a materials range from 12 to 800 microns.

Representing everything Spande has learned about flexo automation and in-line processing over the last 10 years, the AC series is available in both roll-to-roll and roll-to-sheet format. It integrates in-line processes, including UV/WB flexo, gravure and Pantec hot stamping, allowing the press to play across multiple package printing fields where the wider press width is an advantage.

Spande has also launched the S5 series at a lower cost of entry than the S7, while still retaining much of the latter’s automation capabilities. The S5 is available in 370, 450 and 520mm widths and a substrate range between 12-300 microns.

Hybrid technology

Faced with the rise of hybrid printing technology, Shanghai Spande has actively collaborated with both international and domestic suppliers of digital equipment, integrating the advantages of both technologies.

After developing its first hybrid press with Domino in China, in 2024 Spande extended its cooperation with General Inkjet Products (GIP) to build a hybrid press which combined GIP’s 1,200 DPI digital engine with Spande’s S5 flexo platform.

The first Label Modular 330 HD was installed at Suzhou AP Label. After three months of use, AP Label purchased a second press line. Spande expects to install 10-15 units by the end of 2025 in China.

Future plans

Over the next three years, Spande’s mid-term strategic plan aims to increase its production capacity by at least five times and expand into the global market. At the same time, a new modern headquarters is scheduled to be completed and put into operation in the middle of 2026, with a total area of approximately 38,000sqm, covering R&D, assembly and office space. The new headquarters is located in Minhang Development Zone, Shanghai, one of China’s leading industrial centers.

Keqin says the development of the S-series and AC-series presses is only possible because of the wider development of Chinese manufacturing expertise. He wants to create a new narrative about China’s industrial development based not on low price, but cutting-edge innovation: ’Leveraging the continuous upgrading of China’s manufacturing capabilities, of hardware and software, and strong support by global industry leaders such as Siemens, we are dedicated to exploring the international market while deeply rooted in the local market, aiming to secure a more significant position in global competition.‘

The company’s globalization strategy will be showcased at the upcoming Labelexpo Europe 2025 where Spande has the biggest stand at the show. It will showcase the S7 and S5 series, as well as the AC mid-width flexographic packaging production lines.

‘Six years ago, we made our debut at Labelexpo in Europe; this return marks Spande’s largest investment yet at Labelexpo,’ says Keqin.