Kodak, Uteco launch digital flexible packaging press

The Sapphire EVO W is the first flexible packaging press to enter the market using Kodak’s latest continuous inkjet technology. The Uteco Sapphire EVO W press is the second product developed by the Uteco Group in partnership with Kodak for digital flexible packaging production. 

Kodak first introduced the new Uteco Sapphire EVO W late last year and intended to launch it at drupa. The company says the Sapphire EVO W Press is available today worldwide and the first installation will occur later this year at a customer in the US. 

‘The Sapphire EVO W is the first digital packaging press to match the productivity of flexo and the quality of gravure,’ said Randy Vandagriff, senior vice president, digital print, Eastman Kodak Company. ‘It uses our high-resolution Ultrastream inkjet technology and QD Packaging Inks to bring the endless opportunities of digital printing into mainstream production of flexible packaging.’

The water-based Kodak Prosper Press QD Packaging Inks are certified for indirect food contact.

The Sapphire EVO can print flexible packaging applications on plastic films and paper. The press prints CMYK inkjet at 600 x 1800 dpi across 49.2 in print width at speeds of up to 500 ft/min.The press is available with in-line priming, flexo-white and post coating and a hot air/IR drying system.

Kodak also launched a digital press for the commercial print market and an enhanced portfolio of offset and digital products.