The PRINTING United Digital Experience Highlights Advancements in Folding Carton and Corrugated Packaging Technology

For Immediate Release
November 4, 2020

Media Contact: 
Amanda Kliegl, Vice President of PR 
PRINTING United Alliance
703-359-1365 (direct)
407-346-9800 (cell)
akliegl@printing.org 

Newest solutions being shown from Agfa, day-sponsor Heidelberg, Konica Minolta, and Rollem on day eight of the free, three-week global event  


Fairfax, Va. — Another day dedicated to advancements in packaging is being held November 4, day eight of the PRINTING United Digital Experience, with a focus on the folding carton and corrugated segments. Attendees worldwide can access the free program featuring video demonstrations, education, and more, being shown at digital.printingunited.com. Here, attendees across all industry verticals can access both live and on-demand education, the event’s powerful online library of resources — case studies, white papers, and video demonstrations — from leading industry OEMs. The Daily Guide detailing the day’s agenda can be viewed here
 

Spotlight On: Packaging – Folding Carton and Corrugated    

Sponsored by Heidelberg, today’s PRINTING United Digital Experience focus is on folding carton and corrugated applications in package printing. With a significant opportunity for digital printing in this market segment, the growing demand for shorter run lengths, increased SKUs, print enhancements, sustainability, and a need for fast turnaround; tend to influence which companies brands choose to work with, and what technology package printers and converters invest in. Attendees can learn more about how to tap into the important and transformational benefits in engaging into this space. 

Research 

Lisa Cross, principal analyst, NAPCO Media, presents the day’s Industry Outlook which highlights new opportunities in digital printing in the folding carton and corrugated packaging segments, as well as trends uncovered in recent NAPCO Research studies of packaging printers, converters, and brand owners.

Keynote Address 

10:15 a.m. ET – Trends and Opportunities in Folding Carton and Corrugated 
Presenters: Kevin Karstedt, CEO; and Jeff Wettersten, president, Karstedt Partners 
Opportunities in paperboard-based packaging segments are on the rise as consumers seek out sustainable options, continue to embrace e-commerce, and show support for boutique brands. Join the experts as they share their research and insights into these two dynamic packaging segments, how they compare and contrast, and how digital printing is accelerating their growth.

Panel Discussions: 

11:15 a.m. ET – Paperboard Packaging: Differentiation Through Digital 
Moderator: Cory Francer, Editor-in-Chief, Packaging Impressions 
Panelists: Justin Best, VP of Graphics and Production, Precision Digital Printing; and Chris Kline, General Manager, Wingate Packaging 

12:30 p.m. ET – Sustainability, E-Commerce, and Luxury Brands: Assessing Opportunity Across Paperboard Packaging  
Moderator: Cory Francer, Editor-in-Chief, Packaging Impressions
Panelists: Kerry Brown, VP of Operations, Curtis Packaging; Hilda Murray, EVP, TPC Printing & Packaging; and Justin Stacey, VP of Ecommerce Solutions, Fantastapack

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHES AND DEMONSTRATIONS 

Attendees can join these companies that are showcasing the latest technology in this important market space. Each day of the PRINTING United Digital Experience that a session has already taken place can be viewed on demand by registered viewers at any time – free.

10:45 a.m. – AGFA
Jason Hamilton, Director of Strategic Marketing, Agfa, discusses the strategic benefits of Agfa’s inkjet technology. This video will address the following topics that are top of mind for today’s folding carton and corrugated package printers: digital speed to market strategies for brand owners; geo marketing; variable imaging; the analog transition; and the Agfa value stream for packaging.

“Agfa's session From Flat to Finish - corrugated printing with Agfa's Jeti Tauro is a must-see for everyone currently involved in or considering entering the packaging market,” said Deborah Hutcheson, Director of Marketing, Agfa North America. “This video focuses on the strategic benefits of Agfa inkjet technology and the overall value proposition to the market and our customers. Hear directly from a user on how Agfa's technology has positively impacted his packaging business.”

11:00 a.m. – HEIDELBERG
Clarence Penge, Executive VP and Head of Product Management, Heidelberg, showcases the new 2020 model Speedmaster XL 106. Integrated and coupled with Artificial Intelligence, the Speedmaster XL 106 enables push-to-stop autonomous manufacturing. Smart Set-up on the new Speedmaster XL 106 enables user profiles to determine specific task and function accessibility or limitations for press operators. Device assistance ties machine components into the software for refined operations during production, with the possibility of tabbing the delivery pile or waste sheet extraction.  

“While we would have liked to host customers in person in Atlanta, the PRINTING United Digital Experience still gives the print industry the unique opportunity to unite with the same mission – to educate and inform ourselves on what is new and how we can better serve our customers. As a proud Platinum sponsor of PRINTING United 2021, we look forward to being able to come together again in person in Orlando,” said Felix Mueller, President of Heidelberg Americas.

12:00 p.m. – ROLLEM 
Kevin Corwin, Insignia Product Manager, is demonstrating the Insignia 6 “H” model diecutter as a sheet of 2-up folded cartons are diecut, scored on the top and bottom, stripped from the matrix and delivered in one pass. “Under the hood” features include the press style guide and gripper registration system, the dual magnetic cylinder configuration housing the mated flex dies, the waste removal or stripping unit, and the shingle conveyor delivery system. This video will also explain the use and value of flexo-magnetic diecutters for not only folding cartons but a wealth of products requiring short-long run diecutting.

“Recognizing the demand for smart converting of folding cartons and packaging products, Rollem International is pleased to share our demonstration of the Insignia Series of Die-Cutting line to PRINTING United Digital Experience attendees,” said Susan Corwin, Director of Marketing, Rollem. “The Insignia 6H model offers profitability, ease of operation and the ability to produce die-cut, kiss-cut and embossed packaging products with one system, proudly manufactured in the U.S.”

12:15 p.m. – KONICA MINOLTA
Konica Minolta is demonstrating its new corporate flagship industrial printing press, the KM1e. The new press has expanded its substrate management capabilities for a diverse array of applications — including folding carton board-stock. The KM1e — using Konica Minolta inkjet heads — takes advantage of a LED-UV ink curing process to produce applications on various types of media such as plastics, backlit signage, transparent film, foiled paper, metallic media, canvas, and synthetic materials.

“Konica Minolta is pleased to be a top sponsor of this year's PRINTING United Digital Experience, and we are extremely proud to showcase the newly launched AccurioJet KM-1e LED UV Inkjet Press during the Packaging Insight Day,” said Bill Troxil, Corporate Senior Vice President, Industrial and Production Print, Konica Minolta. “Konica Minolta's inkjet and embellishment solutions are helping our clients grow into new markets and will help you 'rethink the future of print.'  We look forward to collaborating with leaders from the print industry while sharing innovative print and embellishment packaging applications.” 

Day nine of the PRINTING United Digital Experience, taking place November 5, will highlight the latest in Mailing and Fulfillment. Register for the complete PRINTING United Digital Experience at: digital.printingunited.com.

Become a PRINTING United Sponsor 

To participate in the PRINTING United Digital Experience as a 2020 sponsor, email sponsorship@printing.org, or visit https://pru20.exh.mapyourshow.com/6_0/login.cfm. Sponsorship for PRINTING United 2021, being held October 6-8, 2021 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, is available through Jack Noonan, VP of Business Development, PRINTING United Alliance: jnoonan@printing.org

About PRINTING United Alliance  

PRINTING United Alliance is the new entity borne of the merger between Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) and Printing Industries of America (PIA). In a milestone in the printing industry, SGIA and PIA officially combined in 2020 to create the largest, most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in the United States. 

Members now have unparalleled access to preeminent education, training, workshops, events, research, government and legislative representation, safety, and environmental sustainability guidance, as well as resources from the leading media company in the industry – NAPCO Media.

PRINTING United Alliance produces the PRINTING United Expo, the most influential days in printing. The expansive display of technology and supplies, education, programming, and services are showcased to the industry at large, and represents all market segments in one easily accessed place. In 2020, PRINTING United introduced the PRINTING United Digital Experience. For more information, visit PRINTINGUnited.com.
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