Arnab Maiti: The C-series trend is expected to continue

2020 in review
While many segments of the industry experienced a slowdown in demand and output in 2020, one of its sub-segments – packaging – experienced a healthy growth. Esko, being one of the leading suppliers into packaging, experienced a similar pull. In particular, a surge in demand was seen for our automation and collaboration solutions in software, namely, Automation Engine and WebCenter.

The continued growth in flexible packaging led by soaring consumer demands added fillip to our flexo CTP sales while the rising demand for automation in digital finishing post-printing led to growth in Kongsberg cutting table sales. All in all, it was not a bad year for Esko globally.

Doing business during pandemic
Esko has a number of automation solutions in its software portfolio that facilitates remote working and collaboration in packaging companies, streamlining the workflow and boosting productivity. Beside this, in flexography, XPS (Digital Simultaneous Exposure) and Crystal Screens are setting up a new quality standards together with the new age Crystal CDI range.

In digital finishing, we are experiencing higher demands for the high end C-series due to its versatility and productivity. The trend is expected to continue.

Key customer of 2020
Temple Packaging. The Studio has also made a huge difference to the packaging specialist. The Mumbai-based packaging converter’s plant in Hyderabad has seen drastic reductions in time taken to prepare 3D mockups of their jobs using the solution.

Esko Studio has enabled their operators to quickly and easily work directly in Adobe Illustrator to create and design 3D rendered drink cans, flexible pouches, cartons, boxes, and shrink sleeves, and share the designs with customers in full 3D.