KBA joins International Packaging Group

Koenig & Bauer (KBA) has become a member of the International Packaging Group (IPG) as it looks to further its efforts to support the package printing market.

Founded in 1963 in Switzerland, IPG is an international association of folding carton producers, and its members include leading folding box manufacturers from 24 countries. 2013 marks IPG’s 50^th anniversary, which it will be marking in Bern, Switzerland on September 20-22.

KBA has already stated its intention to continue its work to focus on print-related growth markets, such as packaging, and said the folding carton industry is a growing market that continues to challenge manufacturers and offer new options.

IPG conducts regular meetings to promote innovation, quality improvement and cost effectiveness within the industry. These meetings also serve as active communication platforms, promote a sharing of know-how about topics, such as an assessment of new materials, processes and equipment, productivity data analysis for internal bench marking, and assist members in solving problems.

In addition to the regular IPG membership category there is also a group of associate members. These members represent the major equipment and material suppliers to the packaging industry, like KBA, who contribute their expert knowledge and experience to the regular meetings.

KBA made its debut as a new member of IPG at a meeting in Cincinnati, US in late-April, where KBA executive vice-president for sheet-fed sales and marketing Ralf Sammeck (pictured, top), and Walter Chmura, vice-president and technical sales director from KBA North America, shared information on current sheet-fed offset innovations for the folding carton industry.

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