Computer-to-plate (CTP), in-the-round imaging is creating opportunities for flexographic package printers.

By Jean-Marie Hershey

Also daunting can be the upfront investment, which includes an ITR processor, ITR digital imager, and software to make seamless sleeves work. In the United States, says Hole, Esko-Graphics’ market research reveals that more than half of sleeves that are mounted on press are created from raw blank sleeves made by the printer/trade shop themselves. In other words, a large percentage of the sleeves in use in the U.S. were not supplied by vendors as sleeves, but created in the plant from plate material.