Eco Flexibles installs first Fujifilm Jet Press FP790 in Europe

Eco Flexibles, the UK-headquartered sustainable flexible packaging specialist, has installed the first Fujifilm Jet Press FP790 outside of Japan, marking another significant leap forward in the company's commitment to innovation and quality.

The award-winning Eco Flexibles develops recyclable monopolymer flexible and paper-based packaging solutions that provide equivalent or improved performance over incumbent mixed plastic designs.

Located at the company’s new state-of-the-art 40,000-sqft factory in Northampton, the investment in the Fujifilm Jet Press FP790 further enhances the company’s sustainability focus by using water-based inks.

Unlike conventional digital presses that rely on toners and electrographic inks, the FP790's use of water-based inks ensures superior performance while further driving down carbon impact.

‘This is a transformative moment for the flexible packaging industry in the UK, and for us as a business,’ said David Smith, general manager at Eco Flexibles. "Our mission is to make recyclable monopolymer and paper packaging more accessible for brand owners, and with this multi-million-pound investment, we’re providing our customers with digital press technology with all the benefits that attracts – very short run and variable data printing, fast turnaround and outstanding graphic performance that more than rivals traditional analogue print techniques. We are setting a new benchmark in quality and sustainability.’

The FP790 installed by Eco Flexibles is capable of printing on film and paper and can reach production speeds of up to 75m/min, with no make ready and changeover downtime. It also offers extended gamut printing with more than 90 percent of Pantone colors without more costly spot color inks.

Water-based inks can be processed with up to 1200 dpi resolution with an integrated inspection tower for real-time quality control.

‘There’s a good reason that Fujifilm is such an established and respected name in print, and it’s why we feel so comfortable investing in the first machine of its kind in Europe,’ added Smith. ‘We are in a sustainability-centric market where “good enough” is no longer good enough for brands; we must be constantly pushing harder for lower carbon emissions and higher quality.

‘Eco Flexibles has been a pioneer in many ways, and with our latest investment, we’re further driving home the message that sustainable flexible packaging doesn’t need to be a concession or come with sacrifices. With a partner like Eco Flexibles in your corner, you can truly have it all.’

Manuel Schrutt, head of packaging at Fujifilm EMEA, commented: ‘We are delighted to announce the first installation of the Jet Press FP790, outside of Japan. The launch of this innovative press marked an exciting time for us in terms of evolving our range of digital packaging solutions.

‘Our expertise within inkjet technology has now been adapted to meet the requirements of the mainstream flexible packaging market. We look forward to seeing how the investment helps Eco Flexibles to grow their business further and showcasing this at our very own Packaging Open House.’

In addition to the FP790 installation, Eco Flexibles has also revealed that its multi-million-pound investment incorporates complementary equipment, including Nordmeccannica laminators and Ashe slitting lines. These in-line enhancements will streamline production and deliver even more performance to the company’s growing client roster.

Eco Flexibles will be hosting an open house event on February 13 to mark the launch of its new investment. If you would like to attend, please register on the Eco Flexibles website.