Pixartprinting unveils cutting edge packaging production line driven by digital

Pixartprinting has launched Catalyst, a state-of-the-art packaging production line featuring an HP Indigo 30000 digital press, that allows it to offer printed paperboard packaging in short runs.

Digital finishing from a Scodix Ultra Pro allows boxes to be produced with tactile effects and eye-catching graphics using embossed and selective varnish

Designed to optimize production, Catalyst allows small print runs to be produced to industrial standards. The HP Indigo 30000 can print paperboard up to 450gsm in CMYK, while an in-line Harris & Bruno ExelCoat ZR30 coating machine applies UV varnishes. Digital finishing from a Scodix Ultra Pro allows boxes to be produced with tactile effects and eye-catching graphics using embossed and selective varnish.

The production line also features a Bograma BSR 550 Servo Rotary die-cutting machine, an integrated cold foiling module and a Kama Flexfold 52i folder gluer. Extra protection for printing is available through lamination created with a Tecnomac Evolution 3 system. Three different finishes can be produced using cold lamination, as well as 3D – an extra-thick coating that enhances specific printed areas of the packaging to create a tactile effect – and selective varnish – used to bring out selected areas of the design.

The development means Pixartprinting can now offer paperboard boxes with print runs starting from just 25 for some ranges, while the catalog contains over 300 different combinations of format, size and customization options. New items in the range include promotional boxes, promotional boxes with crash lock base and pillow boxes, as well as flip lid promotional boxes, deluxe boxes, pull out boxes and hanging boxes. Orders can be delivered in just 48 hours.

This has created a business model ‘never seen before in the online packaging space’, according the company, with Paolo Roatta, managing director of Pixartprinting, adding: ‘We analysed the needs of the market and realised that packaging is a fast-growing segment with strong potential. When honing Catalyst, we set ourselves two objectives: to offer our customers a new tool to grow their business; and to attract new users who, because of the way packaging has been offered up to now, have not previously had access to this type of product.

‘It's a strategy that will allow us to become the benchmark brand for the on-demand packaging market, winning the loyalty of new customers through an original business model.’

As well as boxes made from creased, die-cut and glued 360gsm pure cellulose paperboard, five food contact packaging products are now available, including trays, containers and deluxe takeaway boxes, made from recyclable, compostable and biodegradable Delipac paperboard, with an oil- and grease-resistant inner coating. The range includes catering trays, food containers, flip lid food boxes, deluxe food boxes and sandwich boxes. The food packaging range is completed by food wrapping paper.

‘Our strength lies in allowing customers to order very small print runs at affordable prices with increasingly sophisticated customization options and the fast delivery times that have always been Pixartprinting's hallmark,’ added Roatta.

Cimpress has chosen the new production line at the Quarto d’Altino site in Italy as a pilot plant.

‘Expanding our range of products always entails adding new printing and finishing systems, and sometimes entire custom-built production lines have to be engineered, as was the case with Catalyst,’ explained Alessio Piazzetta, plant manager at Pixartprinting. ‘When developing the packaging production line, our research and development department worked in partnership with the production team to select equipment that provides high standards of technological excellence, with a view to automating processes, running them on an industrial scale and integrating production within the proprietary management platform.

‘This was all carried out with the support of Cimpress, our global parent company, with which we share technical and strategic expertise.’