SÜDPACK sets standards in the market not only with its high-performance and sustainable film solutions, but also in package printing. Its innovative SPQ technology provides considerable advantages in terms of sustainability, efficiency and quality.
Says Carolin Grimbacher, Managing Partner of SÜDPACK: “The fast pace of the food industry in particular results in an increased demand for smaller batch sizes and requires increased flexibility while retaining the same high quality. As a market and technology leader with extensive expertise in the field of package printing, we consider it our responsibility to continuously improve the carbon footprint of both our products and processes – which allows us to make a contribution to achieving the sustainability objectives of the packaging industry.”
Within the scope of a joint project with GOLDSTEIG Käsereien Bayerwald GmbH, SÜDPACK successfully reduced ink and solvent waste by more than 60 percent in the implementation of several printed images by applying SPQ technology. It was also possible to further optimise the print quality.
Added Josef Wagner, Senior Manager of Sales and Marketing: “This is an important step towards a much more sustainable future.”
SÜDPACK’s SPQ technology uses a set colour palette. In the pre-press stage – much like with offset or digital printing – all designs are automatically and reliably set up using a standardised colour palette.
Continued Grimbacher: “The implementation of consistent process stability is the indispensable basis for optimizing efficiency, sustainability and quality. It was also the greatest challenge posed by this development project.”
The set colour palette also reduces set-up time – an aspect that has a particularly positive effect when dealing with frequently changing batches. At the same time, fewer colour changeovers lead to a reduction in ink consumption and waste. And last but not least, standardised colour management leads to a substantial increase in the level of quality. The printing adjustments and on-site print approval that had once been necessary become obsolete and the amount of material needed for proofs is minimised.
Additional effects of the innovative solution
The reduced consumption of ink, solvents and energy as well as less film waste have a direct impact on the carbon footprint of the printed packaging films. The optimized printing quality also clearly differentiates products at the POS.
Thanks to smart SPQ technology, the previous conflict between efficiency and quality in the field of flexo printing has now been solved.
Concluded Grimbacher: “What this requires, however, is complete standardisation of machine and process parameters as well as consistent colour management along the entire process chain.”
In late July, a jury of 24 experts from the fields of business, research and education honoured the revolutionary solution with the German Packaging Award in the economic efficiency category. For more visit suedpack.com
