Bobst secures new orders at Interpack, reveals new technology development plans

We are not presenting any machine but are showcasing our product portfolio for flexo and gravure printing, coating and laminating, and vacuum metalising.

And Bobst is very pleased because it has been able to close orders a couple of days into the show. “We are impressed by the strong business activity, especially from the Middle East, South East Asia and India, so much so that we have already decided to attend the next Interpack exhibition,” said Pavone.

In terms of innovation, Eric Pavone spoke about the AlOx coating technology. The AlOx process itself has been in existence for some years and Bobst has been a forerunner in developing it.

What is new is that the latest developments have made it possible to provide the packaging industry with a viable industrial solution. This opens up a host of new and exciting possibilities for brand owners who now can develop new types of packaging solutions from a transparent material that has high barrier properties against food deteriorating agents, and enables view of the product inside the packaging. It can be processed on converting machines so as to be made tear resistant and also selectively varnished, printed and decorated for enhanced on-the-shelf appeal. 

“Because Bobst is able to provide solutions in different flexible packaging converting processes, we are at the forefront of this new development, not only as regards the AlOx process application, but also for the subsequent processes, like coating and printing. We have been installing machines that are able to run these applications mainly in Japan, South East Asia and China. 

Pavone further said that the packaging market in India is very active, mature and constantly looking for innovations. “Typically in India, we are seeing lots of small printers profiting after investing in Bobst technology, taking their business to the next level. Of the 1000 converters, a number of those that today rank among the big industry players followed this path years ago, and after acquiring leading-edge technology were able to become suppliers to large international groups like Nestlé, P&G, Heinz and J&J, and others."

More specifically related to flexo printing, the dynamic activity of the flexo market in India is mainly driven by the demand for hygiene, personal care products, involving the use of solvent-free inks and shrink film.

Citing figures to support his argument, Eric Pavone said that Bobst has over 60% market share in the imported gravure printing press segment and has seen an unusual high number of flexo presses sold in the last two years. “Our Bobst F&K 20SIX flexo press, launched at Drupa 2012, has seen over 90 installations worldwide, several of which are in India, which is excellent for an Asian country. The trend is positive.”

Bobst has a plant in Pirangut in Pune, Maharashtra, where it has more than 70 people for the entire India operation. “Given the high number of installed machines, our priority is to still invest in service team and support the increasingly intense commercial activity,” said Pavone. “We are working on a strategy of new products development, by which we can enter the market segment of entry-level machines.”

Finally, Pavone confirmed that Bobst will officially present the first digital press for corrugated board equipped with Kodak digital print heads. "Based on this digital technology, Bobst is also working on innovative industrial digital solutions for folding carton and flexible packaging applications, with the objective of presenting a full range of leading-edge industrial digital solutions. This in order to complete our existing product portfolio," said Pavone.