AUDIO: Converters Discuss Value Proposition of Digital Package Printing
From left, Kevin Karstedt, CEO of Karstedt Partners, moderates a panel featuring Tom Staib of DWS Printing Associates, Bill Pope of Greif, and John Perullo of Corrugated Synergies International.
Beyond the technological differences between digital and conventional printing, the value propositions that each platform brings to the table are distinct. At the fifth-annual Digital Packaging Summit, held Nov. 11 to 13 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., three converters spanning different packaging segments shared how they are leveraging the value of their digital platforms.
Among the panelists was Bill Pope, director of graphic reproduction excellence for Greif, which produces a variety of packaging, including paperboard-based folding cartons. Pope explained that Greif has entered the digital realm with an HP Indigo 30000 digital press, and while the company’s customers largely have an understanding of the creative attributes digital brings to the table, Greif can add value to the equation by helping larger customers manage distribution of smaller, customized jobs.
Representing the label segment, Tom Staib, president of DWS Printing Associates, shared his experiences with hybrid printing equipment. Staib was an early adopter of the MPS EF SYMJET Powered by Domino, and explained that the in-line converting and embellishment features of the hybrid platform help the company stand out in the label segment, which has seen the highest digital printing adoption rates.
The corrugated segment of the industry has seen an influx of digital adoption in the past few years, particularly since the introduction of several single-pass digital printing platforms in 2016. John Perullo, president and CEO of Corrugated Synergies International, which has invested in the EFI Nozomi C18000 single-pass digital printing system, as well as digital diecutting capabilities from Highcon, explained that as digital continues to gain adoption in corrugated, brands are recognizing the savings they can realize from removing expensive plates from the process. Additionally, he said that as the technology improves, brands are becoming increasingly comfortable making the digital transition.
Cory Francer is an Analyst with NAPCO Research, where he leads the team’s coverage of the dynamic and growing packaging market. Cory also is the former editor-in-chief of Packaging Impressions and is still an active contributor to its print magazines, blogs, and events. With a decade of experience as a professional journalist and editor, Cory brings an eye for storytelling to his packaging research, providing compelling insight into the industry's most pressing business issues. He is an active participant in many of the industry's associations and has played an essential role in the development of the annual Digital Packaging Summit. Cory can be reached at cfrancer@napco.com
