In response to growing concerns over the environmental impact of food packaging, Japanese companies are taking innovative steps to cut emissions without compromising quality. A new collaboration between Don Quijote Co., Ltd. (Pan Pacific International Holdings Corporation), Sagawa Printing Co., Ltd., and Asahi Kasei—parent company of Asahi Photoproducts—has led to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions in the printing of frozen pasta packaging.
Mondi has expanded its portfolio with a high-performance digital printing solution, enabling customised, high-volume packaging following the acquisition of Schumacher Packaging’s Western European operations. Komsa, a distributor for digital infrastructure in Germany, has been using this option to print consecutive barcodes directly onto corrugated board packaging, without additional labels or manual labelling.
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Heidelberg acquires Polar Mohr brand rights and technologyHeidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) has come to an arrangement with the Polar Group companies to acquire the technology, intellectual property (IP), and brand rights of this long-standing partner, together with further assets. The two parties have signed an agreement to this effect. It is expected that the transaction will be concluded within the coming weeks, after which Heidelberg will have exclusive global sales, service, and marketing rights for the postpress products. In this way, Heidelberg is consolidating its partnership with Polar Mohr and gaining direct access to further packaging markets in the growth regions of Asia, South America, and the Middle East. All processes relating to new machines, the supply of replacement parts, and service operations will remain the same as before for customers.
Spirit Packaging Premedia GmbH, based in Würselen near Aachen, Germany, is a well-established provider of prepress services and flexographic printing plates for the packaging industry. For over ten years, the company has also operated the cloud-based platform PrintConnect, which enables packaging manufacturers, brand owners, retailers, and repro service providers to efficiently manage both technical and commercial workflows related to reprographics, printing plates, and tools.
Labelexpo
Wider flexo presses, new offset and hybrid inkjet-flexo configurations will make Labelexpo Europe 2025 a standout event for press technology.
A report by Andy Thomas-Emans.
The Digital Master 340 modular platform is set to elevate the Polish printing company’s capabilities with ready-to-ship labels in a single pass. The highly automated press will maximize profitability across applications and run lengths, from short to long print runs, with the highest quality.
Sun Automation Group® announces the launch of Perform+, a new Quarterly Preventative Maintenance (QPM) program designed to help box plants optimize machine performance, reduce costly downtime, and extend equipment life - maximizing return on investment. The program includes quarterly on-site visits by Sun’s expert technicians, each featuring a comprehensive inspection, targeted repairs, proactive replacement of high-wear parts, and hands-on operator training. The goal: keep machines consistently operating at peak performance and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards.
For Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg), packaging printing is an important part of its growth strategy. As a full-range supplier and system integrator, the company aims to tap further market potential. Numerous recent investments by packaging customers in the Spanish market in cutting-edge technology from Heidelberg underline the correct approach of this strategy.
Modern packaging is more than just protection – it is a canvas for creative expression. With the modular Hydro-X Contact system, hubergroup Print Solutions introduces a new generation of water-based inks and overprint varnishes that unlock exceptional creative freedom. Designers and brands gain more space for visual storytelling and eye-catching graphics on recycling-friendly mono-material packaging – now even on the inside of food packaging.
Global consumption of cartonboard will reach 56.3 million tonnes in 2025, valued at $58.9 billion, according to new research from Smithers, the global authority on packaging markets. This will be converted into 52.4 million tonnes of packaging, with a value of $132.8 billion. The new market report – The Future of Folding Cartons to 2030 – shows that demand will push global consumption of folding cartons to 63.1 million tonnes in 2030, with value increasing to $159.6 billion at constant pricing.
Labelexpo
At this year’s Labelexpo Europe in Barcelona, UV specialist Hoenle will showcase cutting-edge LED-UV curing systems from its proven LED Powerline series, designed not only for label printing, but also for the increasingly important flexible packaging market. Among the highlights is the innovative Curing System LED Powerline Web.
The Cardbox Packaging Group, a leading provider of sustainable cardboard packaging for the food, cosmetics, and consumer goods industries, is once again investing in the cutting-edge technology of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) and its packaging partner MK Masterwork. By investing in a new Duopress 106 FCSB from MK Masterwork, Cardbox Packaging is increasing its capacities for operations such as hot foil stamping in the postpress section of its Wolfsberg site in Austria. The company already has three high-performance Mastermatrix 106 CSB die cutters in operation at this site, supported by comprehensive state-of-the-art logistics systems.